A FIRE in a community centre in the early hours of this morning is being investigated as suspected arson.

Three crews from the Basingstoke station were called out to the Sycamore Halls Community Centre, in Sycamore Way, at 4.27am today and were greeted on arrival with smoke billowing out of the front door.

Firefighters found the source of the fire in a small office and used a hose reel to put out the flames before clearing the building of smoke.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed this morning its investigators, as well as those from Hampshire Constabulary, will be at the scene today investigating the cause of the fire.

Hampshire Constabulary has since confirmed the centre was broken into sometime between 3am and 4.37am and a fire was started.

The force is treating the incident as suspected arson and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 101 quoting the crime reference 44180228342.

A statement has been posted on the centre's Facebook page which reads: "At approximately 4am this morning, the Sycamore Halls Community Centre was broken into. The office door was broken and the office trashed, before a fire was started in the office.

"Most of the contents of the office have been destroyed by either fire, smoke or water. The fire brigade arrived quickly and did a brilliant job putting the fire out before the building itself was damaged. The building is currently undergoing external work, hence the extensive boarding outside, the internal damage is only in the foyer and office.

"We do not know who was responsible for this, but we don't want wild speculation running rife. If anyone has information that might be useful, please contact the police on 101 quoting the crime reference 44180228342.

"As a result of the fire, the smaller hall (Sycamore) will remain closed for the rest of this week while repairs take place. The large hall (Ashwood) will reopen tomorrow and all clubs in there will be able to continue as normal. The Winklebury Boot Sale this Sunday has been cancelled. As the office is out of action, please do not phone the halls - either contact us on here or email SHCAwinklebury@gmail.com

"The SHCA would like to thank the community for their support and we hope to be fully open again as soon as possible."

Fire crews left the scene shortly before 6am today.