POLICE have confirmed that an arson investigation is underway following a fire in the town centre on Friday morning.
The blaze took place in a building behind Kwik Fit on New Road.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "It is understood to have been set deliberately.
"Enquiries are on-going."
The fire brigade were called just after 12.15am and one crew from Basingstoke were dispatched.
A ladder and one hose reel were used to extinguish the fire.
Police were at the scene and the fire was put out just after 1am.
A Gazette source said that firelighters, similar to those used on a barbecue, was found at the scene.
Another source told a reporter that police spent most of Friday morning on scene.
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