A man wielding an axe allegedly caused a fire at a petrol station in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire. The blaze, captured on video, engulfed cars and a petrol pump at the BP Garage. Nearby resident Nick Lawrence expressed worries about his safety and property as the fire spread towards his home.
Following the incident, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police arrested a man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. The police were alerted to a disturbance at the BP Petrol Station where a man was spotted with an axe on the forecourt. The situation escalated as a fire broke out, affecting multiple vehicles and petrol pumps.
Emergency services, including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire Service and South Central Ambulance Service, responded to the scene. The suspect sustained burn injuries and was apprehended for arson. No additional injuries were reported.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service confirmed that the fire impacted two vehicles and a pump on the forecourt. Firefighters from various stations swiftly extinguished the flames using two main jets. The road closure, put in place during the emergency response, has now been lifted.