WITNESSES to a fire near Winchester have been asked to come forward after a community skate park was nearly engulfed in flames.

Three youths, who were spotted riding bikes in Colden Common, started a fire using books from the recycling area and other material, possibly taken from the back of the nearby Co-op in St Vigor Way.

Thankfully a local resident spotted it before it spread to the skateboard ramp, fencing and long dry grass, and contacted the emergency services.

Fire fighters were called just after midnight last Saturday.

The parish council has CCTV of the three involved, taken in the car park, as they stood atop the top ramp and as they left.

One of them was wearing a black t-shirt and rode a red bike. The others were in lighter colours.

Anyone with any further information is urged to contact the parish council before the police are informed.