A FIRE which ripped through an Otterbourne garage was most likely caused by an electrical fault.

That is the verdict of investigators from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service after more than 20 cars were destroyed at Williams Garage in Main Road.

Crews from St Mary's, Redbridge, Eastleigh, and Winchester fire stations fought for more than three hours to bring the fire under control on November 30.

Flames started in one corner of the building near the paint working area and quickly spread.

Owned by Peter and Ted Whieldon, Williams Garage had been in Otterbourne for about 30 years.

It had been contracted by Hampshire police for accident recovery and for storing vehicles from crime scenes.

It is not known what will happen to jobs of the 14 members of staff who work in the garage.

Alf Underwood, workshop manager, said that when he arrived firemen were trying to stop the fire.

He said: “We’ve got to demolish the site and start again. We shall rise again we will build it up from nothing.”