POLICE have issued a description of a man they want to speak to following an arson attack which damaged three properties in a Southampton street.

As reported in the Daily Echo, a garden shed in Holcroft Road was destroyed in a blaze which spread to fences beside two neighbouring homes.

The fire follows around ten other arson attacks across Thornhill in April and May.

A police spokesperson said the Holcroft Road blaze broke out between 4.15am and 4.30am on Friday.

They added: "The fire is believed to have started on a cut-way at the rear of Holcroft Road, causing damage to the fence and shed of one address before spreading to the fences of two neighbouring properties.

"No one was injured in the incident.

"Officers investigating are keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious, or may have CCTV footage that could help in our enquiries.

"We are particularly interested in identifying a man who was seen in the area of Vaughn Close having walked from the direction of Holcroft Road around the time the fire was set.

"He is described as white, aged 25-30, around 5ft 10ins, with black hair and a black beard. He was wearing a grey T-shirt with light blue shorts."

Anyone with information can contact Hampshire police on 101, quoting reference number 44200232595. Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where messages can be left anonymously.