A HOUSE in Redenham has been targeted in a suspected arson attack, resulting in severe damage to the empty home. 

Emergency services, including 10 fire engines from Hampshire and Isle of Wight and Dorset and Wiltshire fire services, responded to the scene in Redenham Dove, tackling the blaze in the two-storey building. 

Fortunately, there were no casualties, and no rescues were necessary during the incident.

The house is owned by Derek Gardner who has been a victim of a series of attacks resulting from a mistaken identity, as previously reported by the Advertiser in December last year.

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Derek and his wife Frances have been living in fear since August 2021, following a death threat mistakenly delivered to them instead of its intended recipient, Michael Clayton, the director of the now-defunct Coperforma private ambulance firm.

The threats escalated over time, reaching a peak in November 2022 when Mr Gardner's workshop suffered a malicious attack, causing extensive damage to his tools, machinery, and a vintage motorbike he had been restoring for four years.

This is also not the first time their house has been damaged in a fire. Last year their neighbour's car charger caught fire, which spread to Mr and Mrs Gardner's home - which left them being forced to live elsewhere. 

Firefighters and police are now treating the recent fire as a suspected arson incident.

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The Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's incident command unit attended the scene, deploying two hose reels, three main jets, two breathing apparatus, and one aerial ladder pump to combat the flames.

A fire service spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, 80 per cent of the traditional brick and timber building succumbed to the fire and smoke damage."

A police spokesperson told the Advertiser: "We were called at 8.18pm on 13 December by the fire service to a report of a suspected arson at an address in Redenham Dove, Redenham, near Andover.

"No injuries were reported. This is currently under investigation."