A ROMSEY business has said it's like “living in a war zone” after its vans and containers were set alight and thousands of pounds worth of tools were stolen.

Photos posted on Facebook by Romsey Tree Surgeons show smoke pouring from containers and damaged vans during the night at its base.

On-call firefighters from Romsey, Stockbridge and Hythe were called to the fire on Danes Road in Awbridge at 8.45pm on Monday, November 7.

The tree surgeons believe it was a group of youngsters who stole the small tools before covering everything in fuel and burning the business. A police investigation is now underway.

Romsey Tree Surgeons posted on Facebook, on the morning of November 8: “This is what broken Britain looks like. It wasn’t enough to steal all the small tools they could carry, the little rats then covered everything in fuel and burnt what has taken me 22 years to build.

“I can’t thank the firefighters enough for their efforts but unfortunately it was too late. There are now five of us that can’t work, but only until tomorrow. You can’t keep a good team down.

“Caroline Nokes please do something to stop what’s becoming like living in a war zone, where hard-working people are ruined. I will share the CCTV footage tomorrow for anyone interested. £5000 cash reward if I get all my tools back.”

The business has been contacted for further comment.

A spokesman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: "One lorry and a storage container were destroyed in the blaze which was stopped using hose reel jets and compressed foam. 

"The stop message came in at 00:50 before a crew returned later in the night to dampen down remaining hotspots. 

"Police provided a scene guard overnight before fire investigation officers attended this morning."

READ MORE: Pool table broken and money stolen as Romsey Town Football Club is targeted by thieves

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "We were called at 8.48pm on Monday, November 7 by colleagues from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service reporting an arson on Danes Road, Romsey.

"Officers attended and a scene remained in place overnight. This is being treated as arson and an investigation is underway. Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or has any information including any CCTV should contact us on 101 quoting reference 44220453456. Alternatively people can call Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111."

People have rallied around the tree surgeons on Facebook with more than 150 people sharing the post.