A MAN has been taken into custody by police after he tried to set a house on fire in Basingstoke this morning, according to witnesses.

The incident happened in Butler Close in South Ham just before 7am today (Friday, June 24).

A Butler Close resident said the man was dragged out from the house by six police officers.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: "Basingstoke firefighters were called at 6.50am to the fire in a first-floor bedroom on Butler Close.

"The fire was extinguished by firefighters in breathing apparatus using jets, hose reels before clearing smoke with ventilation fans.

"Crews left the scene at 7.31am."

A South Central Ambulance Service spokesperson said the Hampshire Police is leading on all enquiries relating to the incident on behalf of all emergency services in attendance.

We have contacted the Hampshire Constabulary for more information.

This story will be updated soon.