AN ARSON investigation is underway after a chimney fire in Romsey yesterday (Nov 19).

The fire started at around 2.30pm in a home in Mainstone with two appliances attending from Romsey Fire Station.

It was out by around 5.45pm but caused traffic delays on the by-pass road to the A27 throughout the afternoon.

A spokesman for the service confirmed the cause was unknown but that the arson task force was investigating.

She said: “We do not know how it started but we have sent the arson task force to check it out.”

The house was being refurbished which made it harder for firefighters to access the chimney, according to the spokesman.

She said: “Because the building was being renovated it was more difficult to get to the fire and they had to remove some of the flooring to do so.

“The fire was contained to the chimney and did not damage other parts of the house.”

The site was inspected by firefighters at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 10.30pm to ensure it did not restart.

No one appeared to be at home at the time of the fire and no one was injured.