Arson at hotel where anti-immigration protests held

Officers are investigating an arson at the Highfield House Hotel

Police are investigating an "extremely dangerous" arson after a flare was pushed through a ground-floor window of a hotel that has been subject to anti-immigration protests.

The flare ignited a fire inside the Highfield House Hotel in Southampton at about 02:15 BST on Sunday, but it was quickly extinguished and no one was hurt.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said officers wanted to speak to two people seen in hooded tops - one wearing white and the other wearing dark colours - approaching and then fleeing the building on Shaftesbury Avenue.

The hotel has been subject to anti-immigration protests as recently as 1 September, with a counter protest held by Stand Up To Racism.

Ch Insp Chris Douglas said: "Fortunately, this fire was quickly put out, but this was an extremely dangerous act and could have had fatal consequences.

"Our local neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out additional patrols in Portswood in the coming days, and if anyone has any concerns then please do speak to them."

A police spokesman declined to comment on the use of the hotel but said of the incident: "It is being investigated as an arson. There is no link to other matters at this time."