Officers investigating suspected arson in Southampton appeal to the public for information

We are appealing for information following a suspected arson in Southampton.

We were called shortly after 2.45pm on Saturday (24 June) to a report that a fire which began on an area of derelict land had spread to a house on Bitterne Road West.

The occupant, a man in his 70s, was not injured.

Investigating officers would like to speak to three boys, seen in the area at the time, in connection with the incident.

The first boy is described as:

• White
• Aged between 12 and 16-years-old
• Of average build
• Brown hair, shaved at the sides
• Wearing a navy hoody and bright blue shorts that had either a stripe or logo on the right leg, dark socks and light coloured trainers with a dark sole. He had a small, dark-coloured cross-body bag with him.

The second boy is described as:

• White
• Aged between 12 and 16-years-old
• Of slim build
• Brown, short hair
• Wearing a dark blue t-shirt with a white logo on the front, light blue shorts, white socks and dark trainers. He also had a small, dark-coloured cross-body bag.

The third boy is described as:

• White
• Aged between 12 and 16-years-old
• Of average build
• Brown, short hair
• Wearing a dark coloured t-shirt and shorts with a white trim on the sleeves and legs, dark socks and dark trainers. He had a bright red backpack with him.

We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw or heard anything that may be connected to this incident. Did you see three people matching these descriptions in the area, or do you know who these boys are?  

We would also like to speak to anyone in the Bitterne Road West and Steuart Road areas who has CCTV/Ring Doorbell footage that may have captured something, or anyone that was driving through the area and has dashcam footage that could assist our enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 44230251934.

Alternatively, go online and submit information via https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/