A MAN has been arrested after allegedly starting a fire at a petrol station – moments after he was spotted wielding an axe.
Shocking footage showed cars and pumps engulfed in flames on the forecourt of the BP Garage in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, yesterday.
Emergency crews were scrambled following reports of the axe-wielding man at around 11.15am.
Moments later, the blaze quickly spread to two vehicles and a petrol pump at the BP garage.
Local Nick Lawrence, who lives opposite the station, said he was concerned for his safety and his house as the flames spread.
He told ITV News: “The smoke was blowing towards the house.
“I thought if the whole garage goes up then there’s potential for something to happen to the house and us.”
Cops said a man was discovered by fire and ambulance crews with burn and smoke inhalation injuries at the scene.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police confirmed the man has since been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
The force said: “We were called at around 11:15am to a report of a public order incident at the BP Petrol Station on Broom Way.
“It was reported that a man had been seen on the forecourt with an axe. A fire then began which spread to several vehicles and petrol pumps.
“Officers attended, along with colleagues from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire Service and South Central Ambulance Service, and a man was located with burn injuries.
“A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
“He has been taken to Queen Alexandra hospital for treatment to burns and smoke inhalation related injuries.”
It is understood no other injuries were reported following the blaze.
The Hampshire fire service confirmed the fire had reached two cars and a pump on the forecourt.
The service said: “Crews from Gosport, Fareham and Cosham were called to attend a fire at a petrol station in Broom Way, Lee-on-the-Solent this morning at just after 11.15am.
“The fire involved two vehicles and a petrol pump stand. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire using two main jets.
“The road closure that was in place while emergency services dealt with this incident has now been lifted.”
