No investigation into Pennington common fire

THE fire on Pennington common is not being investigated despite lighters found at the scene and a group of youths spotted in the area before the blaze.

As reported, dozens of firefighters from across the New Forest battled the blaze involving two hectares of gorse for over four hours on Sunday.

A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We won’t be investigating the cause, but Hampshire police have been informed of the incident."

This was after the spokesman confirmed firefighters had been told a group of youths was seen in the area shortly before the blaze started, and a number of discarded lighters was also discovered.

A Hampshire police spokesperson told the A&T this afternoon (Monday) it was still not investigating the incident pending further details emerging.

They said: “At this time the investigation remains closed, but pending any further information or lines of enquiry, it may be reopened.”

The alarm was raised around 2.30pm, and some crews remained at the site, off Ramley Road and Wainsford Road, after 6.45pm damping down.