A REWARD is being offered in the hunt for arsonists who started a £70,000 blaze just yards from a Hampshire petrol station.

Simon Reeves, owner of the Vansco vehicle sales and repair facility in Romsey Road, Cadnam, said the fire could have had “catastrophic” consequences.

Now the 44-year-old businessman is offering £10,000 for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

Police have confirmed the blaze was started deliberately and are trawling through CCTV footage in a bid to track down those responsible.

Mr Reeves said the fire destroyed seven vehicles waiting to be repaired repair and also spread to a neighbouring workshop, causing £60,000-£70,000 of damage.

No-one was hurt in the incident, which resulted in part of Romsey Road being closed for several hours.

As reported in the Daily Echo, seven fire crews from across Hampshire dashed to the scene after the blaze broke out last Sunday.

Vansco is surrounded by homes and other businesses, including a Texaco garage.

Mr Reeves said: “Starting the fire was dangerous as well as stupid. I couldn’t believe anyone would be so irresponsible.”

Last night it emerged that mechanic Nigel White, 42, and one of his colleagues helped prevent an even bigger blaze by moving three of the vehicles in the yard and thus creating a fire break.

Hampshire police s confirmed the incident was being treated as arson.

Anyone with information can call Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44190163561.