AN investigation has today been launched after arsonists set alight a car outside a house while neighbours were sleeping.

Police say residents were put at "serious risk" when the vehicle was deliberately set on fire at 5.30am on a driveway in Pennington.

A neighbour called 999 after smelling smoke and the fire had spread from the car to a nearby garage of a house where three residents were sleeping.

No-one was injured in the blaze.

Police and Hampshire Fire and Rescue have launched an investigation.

PC Rob Hone said: “This was a dangerous act which put the occupants of the house at serious risk of harm. We are urging anyone with any information about this incident to call us."

Share article Witnesses should contact 101 and speak with the Western Investigation Team quoting 44150295967.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.