STREET riots, shoot-outs and car fires are a regular occurrence in one part of Basingstoke – but don’t panic.

The action is all down to a new venture offered by Absolutely Karting, which has opened Absolutely Paintball, in Wade Road, on Kingsland Business Park.

Its newly-kitted out indoor arena offers punters an exciting time in safe surroundings with supervisors Becky Cullum and Steven O’Leary on hand.

Becky said: “This is something different – it’s like being in a live video game.

“This is the first indoor paint ball arena in the area that I know of, and I think the space and layout we’ve got is really impressive.”

Absolutely Karting, which is part of registered charity Absolutely Leisure, opened its 500m track last year, in a converted warehouse, where up to 14 drivers at one time can race in 270cc karts, reaching speeds of up to 40mph.

Part of the warehouse site remained empty and as Steven explained: “We were looking at what would best put the space to use that is not available anywhere else, and we came up with indoor paintballing.”

He added that typically those playing paintball will spend about two-and-a-half hours in the blacked out arena taking part in various scenarios.

These include protecting, or eliminating, a VIP and capturing or defending a flag.

There are three levels of experience too – new recruit, professional and hardcore.

“What we’ve got here will test your perception – it will be dark and there will be strobe lights,” said Steven, who said up to 20 people in a group can take part in each session.

“They’ll be led by a marshal to heighten the experience, leading them through the games and egging them on, but also to look after their safety,” said Steven.

Absolutely Paintball is an approved member of the UK Paintball Association (UKPBA).