FIREFIGHTERS from Basingstoke were called to the Camrose football stadium last night (June 2) after a fire was started in the seating area.

The crew was mobilised at 7.16pm and extinguished the flames using buckets of water.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue spokesperson told the Gazette that police were informed and attended the incident, as accelerant had been used to start the blaze.

Firefighters left the scene following the stop message at 7:43pm.

Posting on Twitter, the on-call firefighter team wrote: "Mobilised to a Fire in the Open at the #CamroseFootball stand in #Basingstoke.

"Small fire involving football stadium seat, extinguished by HIWFRS. Cause doubtful. Deliberate fires tie up important resources, DO NOT DO IT."

The Gazette has contacted Hampshire Constabulary for comment.