A WOMAN was detained by police following a fire at a house in Ringwood on Friday evening.

Emergency services were called to the property in Poplar Way shortly before 6pm following reports of a fire in the first floor bedroom.

A spokesman from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said when fire crews arrived, the fire, which is believed to have caused extensive damage to the bedroom, had already been extinguished.

A spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary said a 46-year-old woman was treated by paramedics and later detained by police in relation to the incident.

The force spokesman said: “Hampshire Police have begun a joint investigation with the fire service into the cause of the fire.

“Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Police were called to a fire in the property in an upstairs bedroom at the property. All occupants were removed safely. The occupants became aware of the incident following the activation of working smoke alarms.”

A spokesman from South Central Ambulance Service said one person was taken to Southampton General Hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation and another casualty was treated by paramedics at the scene.

The house is believed to have been occupied by a woman and her children. Residents said a police officer remained outside the property until Saturday afternoon while officers examined the scene.

The police spokesman said the incident was “unusual” for the area and urged anyone with information to contact police.

She said: “This is a residential area and an unusual event. If you were in the area at the time and can assist the investigation please contact Southampton Central CID by calling 101.”