Southampton house arson: police launch appeal for three boys

Officers were called shortly after 2.45pm on Saturday to a report of a fire which began in a derelict land and had spread to a house on Bitterne Road West.

The resident, a man in his 70s, was not injured in the alleged attack, said police.

Officers investigating the case would like to speak to three boys seen in the area at the time, in connection with the incident.

READ MORE: Southampton house fire: everything we know so far

The first boy is described as white; aged between 12 and 16 years old; of average build; with brown hair, shaved on the sides and wearing a navy hoodie with bright blue shorts that had either a stripe or logo on the right leg.

He was described wearing dark socks and light-coloured trainers with a dark sole. He had a small dark-coloured cross-body bag with him.

The second boy is also described as white; aged between 12 and 16 years old; of slim build; short brown hair and wearing a dark blue t-shirt with a white logo on the front; light blue shorts; white socks and dark trainers.

He also had a small, dark-coloured cross-body bag.

Lastly, the third boy is also described as white, aged between 12 and 16 years old; of average build; short brown hair; and wearing a dark-coloured t-shirt and shorts with white trim on the sleeves and legs; dark socks and dark trainers. He had a bright red backpack with him.

Officers want to speak to anyone in the the Bitterne Road West and Steuart Road areas who has CCTV/Ring Doorbell footage that may have captured something, or anyone that was driving through the area and has dashcam footage that could assist our enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 44230251934.