THREE teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson after firefighters battled a fire near Tadley Common yesterday.

Two 14-year-old girls and a 15-year-old boy were arrested and have since been released from custody but remain under investigation.

Fire crews were called to land off Broad Halfpenny Lane at 3pm on Friday to reports of “huge flames”, and today returned to the area to dampen down some hotspots. 

Firefighters thanked members of the community who offered them refreshments as they worked. 

Crews from Basingstoke and across the border in West Berkshire used four hose reels and knapsacks in attempt to extinguish the fire yesterday which began near to a play area, and spread to a large area of gorse and woodland.

Police were called to the scene at 3.11pm, and enquiries are still on-going. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44180274293.