Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information to an arson in Farnborough on Friday, June 18.

At 11.08pm, Hampshire Fire Rescue Service were called to a fire at an address in Thames Close.

The 50-year-old female occupant was woken by a noise from the front door and discovered the front door engulfed in flames. She managed to get out and called for help from a neighbour.

Initial investigations have found something was placed through the letterbox which caused a magazine on the floor to ignite. The fire spread to the curtains surrounding the door and began to ignite boxes in the hallway.

Detectives have launched an investigation and are particularly interested in tracing a man who was seen at the scene of the fire.

He is described as:

• White

• Aged 18-19 years old

• 5ft 6ins to 5ft 7ins

• Slim build

• Short dark hair

• Wearing a dark t-shirt

Detective Constable Andy Sullivan, from Aldershot CID, said: “The fire spread quite quickly and could have engulfed the first floor of the property in minutes had the occupant not taken immediate action.

“We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the fire, or has any information about who is responsible, to get in touch.

“We are also trying to locate the driver of a small silver or grey car that was seen entering the cul-de-sac at speed around 11pm.”

A 25-year-old man from Yateley has been arrested and bailed in connection with this incident.