A FIRE in a Hampshire village shop is being treated as suspicious by police.

As previously reported, 45 firefighters from across Hampshire battled flames at the Co-op store on Hambledon Road, Denmead, on Wednesday, August 23.

Crews attended from Cosham, Havant, Waterlooville, St Mary’s, Fareham and Southsea at around 1.30pm. Support vehicles from Eastleigh, Beaulieu and Alton were also in attendance along with the aerial ladder. The teams left the area at around 4pm when a stop message came in.

Police officers were also in attendance at the scene of the fire, closing Hambledon Road between Ashling Park Road and Kidmore Lane. In a statement, officers said that the incident was being treated as a suspected arson.

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A police spokesperson said: “We were called at around 1.55pm on August 23 by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to reports of a fire at the Co-op on Hambledon Road, Denmead. Officers attended and assisted HFRS with a road closure. The cause of the fire is being treated as suspicious, and enquiries are ongoing.”

In a post on Facebook, the Denmead Co-op said: “A big heartfelt thanks to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for their swift response and efforts, ensuring everyone's safety. We'd also like to thank the quick action of our colleagues in Denmead and the support from the local community.

“Once we've assessed the damage to the store, we will start work straightaway on repairs and will do everything we can to get it reopened as soon as possible. However, we anticipate the store will remain closed for an extended period of time so would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience.

“We will update this Facebook page as and when we have any further news.”