DETECTIVES have opened an arson investigation after a person in a hooded top was seen running from a burning van.

The Vauxhall Vivaro white van caught fire when it was parked in St Peter’s Road, South Ham, Basingstoke, at around 8.40pm last night.

Fire crews from Basingstoke fire station closed the road to put out the fire in 30 minutes.

It is thought a brick was thrown at one of the van’s windows before petrol was poured inside and set alight.

Police said the fire is being treated as arson and said a person with a hooded top had been seen running from the van at the time of the blaze.

Anyone who saw what happened is asked to call Detective Constable Darrin Carey at Basingstoke CID on 101, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.