A VEHICLE was set alight in Oakley last night (Sunday, December 12), causing multiple explosive sound and bright red light that shocked the neighbourhood.

Police have confirmed that they were called at 10.49pm to reports of a fire at Bakers Yard in Oakley.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said the fire is being treated as arson and officers will be in the area conducting enquiries.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews from Basingstoke, Tadley, Eastleigh and Overton were called to an fire in Baker's Yard, Oakley at 22:46 this evening (December 12, 2021). Crews used six breathing apparatus, one hose reel and one hose reel jet to put out the fire."

The incident comes two days after a caravan caught fire in Popley.

The caravan fire is also believed to have been started deliberately, according to the fire service.

Basingstoke firefighters were called at 11.42pm on Friday night to a caravan alight on Shakespeare Road.

The vehicle was fully destroyed in the blaze which was extinguished using breathing apparatus and hose reels.

The Oakley fire caused panic among the residents as some of them took to social media to find the cause of bright red light and sounds that seemed like gun firing.

One Oakley resident shared with Gazette a video of the strange light and sound coming from the direction of Overton.

Police have asked residents to phone 101 with reference 44210498259 if they have any information about the fire and people behind it.