Asbestos found after firefighters battle large blaze following arson attack at sawmill on Thatchers Lane, north of Bransgore

ASBESTOS has been found at an old sawmill in the New Forest after firefighters battled a large blaze following an arson attack at the site.

Neighbours were urged to keep their doors and windows shut during the fire on Saturday afternoon.

The alarm was raised around 5.30pm as flames engulfed the building on Thatchers Lane, north of Bransgore. The A&T has been told asbestos was found at the site during investigations into the blaze.

Crews from New Milton, Lymington and Dorset worked to stop the fire spreading to electrical cables and nearby woodland.

Electrical engineers were also at the scene to isolate the building’s power supply.

A warning on Saturday from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: “Local residents are advised to close windows and doors as there is a large amount of smoke in the area.”

Two crews remained from around 7.50pm to dampen down the affected area, where they remained until the early hours.

Police have launched an arson investigation, and an HIWFRS spokesperson confirmed to the A&T that asbestos was present in the building, along with gas cylinders.

The spokesperson said today (Monday): “Fire investigation officers are also set to attend to work with police to ascertain the cause of the blaze.”

A Hampshire force spokesperson said: “We were called to a fire at the saw mill in Thatchers Lane at about 6pm on Saturday 8th March. An arson investigation is ongoing.”

Those with information should contact officers online via hampshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 44250103807.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously via crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.

The Avon Tyrell Estate, which is understood to own the site, has been contacted for comment.