A dramatic fire erupted at a petrol station in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, after a man was reportedly seen brandishing an axe. Eyewitness footage captured the chaos as flames engulfed vehicles and a petrol pump at the BP Garage.

Local resident Nick Lawrence expressed his alarm as the fire spread. "The smoke was blowing towards the house," he told ITV News. "I thought if the whole garage goes up then there’s potential for something to happen to the house and us."

The incident unfolded on Thursday around 11:15am, prompting a swift response from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police. They reported that officers were called to a public order incident at the petrol station on Broom Way. It was alleged that a man was seen on the forecourt with an axe before the fire ignited, affecting several vehicles and petrol pumps.

Police confirmed that a man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He was found at the scene with burn injuries and was subsequently taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital for treatment of burns and smoke inhalation. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported.

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service responded promptly, with crews from Gosport, Fareham, and Cosham arriving shortly after the alarm was raised. They reported that the fire had spread to two cars and a petrol pump stand. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames using two main jets.

Following the incident, the road closure that had been implemented while emergency services managed the situation has now been lifted. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and the actions of the individual involved.