EMERGENCY services were called to Brighton Hill Retail Park last night (Monday, May 2) for the second time in as many days after reports of a fire alarm.

Nearby residents reported seeing police vehicles outside the former ToysRUs store at around 10.30pm, after the site was the scene of a 'deliberate' fire the previous evening.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Two Basingstoke fire crews were called to the Brighton Hill Retail Park last night at 22:18 after a caller had reported an alarm to have been sounding. 

"Crews inspected the scene but no alarm or sign of fire were detected.

"HIWFRS secured the building before leaving the scene at 22:48."

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson added: "We were called at 10.31pm on Monday 2 May by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to reports of an alarm going off in the old Toys R Us building in Brighton Hill Retail Park.

"There were no reports of people being inside the building and officers did not attend the scene."

SEE ALSO: Firefighters scrambled to blaze at derelict former toy store

It comes after crews from Basingstoke, Tadley, Hartley Wintney, Odiham and Eastleigh, as well as a command support vehicle from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service headquarters, were called to the derelict toy store on Sunday evening (May 1).

Smoke could be seen coming from the building and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled a fire inside using jets and hose reel jets. 

Police have issued an appeal for information following the incident.

READ MORE: Police issue appeal after 'deliberate' fire at ToysRUs in Basingstoke

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: "The fire service were already on scene at the former TOYSRUS store and brought the blaze under control.

"It's believed the fire was started deliberately but that someone had tried to burn rubbish rather than trying to burn the building down and that it had got out of control.

"We'd ask anyone with information about the incident to contact us on 101 quoting: 44220171325."

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