A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of arson after fire crews spent 10 hours battling a blaze in the New Forest.

Firefighters from across the area battled through Friday night to put out the fire which was burning at 1,100C.

Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed that a 36-year-old man has been arrested, but has now been released under investigation.

Crews were called to the incident in at Hazle Copse Farm in Beaulieu which fire left a farm building measuring 30ft by 15ft completely destroyed.

Mel Port, 55, a shopkeeper from Lymington, who took a photo of the fire, said: “Three fire tenders arrived and made their way into the field but disappeared out of sight. As I passed this morning on my way to work there was still a light plume of smoke emitting from the barn.”

A water carrier and three engines were on the scene at Hazle Copse Farm in Hatchet Lane, Beaulieu all night to keep the blaze contained and prevent it from spreading.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called following a fire at a barn in Hatchett Lane. Officers were deployed to the scene and a search was carried out. A 36-year- old man from Beaulieu was arrested on suspicion of arson. He was released but remains under investigation.”