FIREFIGHTERS battled for six hours last Friday to control a blaze that broke out in a derelict Army building in Bordon.

Arsonists are being blamed for the fire, which was tackled by more than 50 firefighters from Hampshire and Surrey.

Ministry of Defence police have issued an appeal for witnesses to the fire in Lindford Road opposite the fire station. Two youths were seen running from the scene.

Pc Vic Roach of the MoD police said: ÒThe youths were seen by a sub-officer at about 6 pm when he arrived on the scene but he was not able to give a clear description.

ÒWe have set up a poster campaign to try and catch the culprits and we are appealing to anyone who saw anything on that night to get in contact with us.Ó

The MoD police have sealed off the building, which was last used about three years ago, for the publicÕs safety and to try to prevent another fire.

Firefighters were alerted to by a 999 call at 5-53 pm, followed by nine other calls.

Mike Gates, Hampshire Fire and RescueÕs public relations officer, said: ÒEntry was made to the fire via the roof to try to control the blaze. Sixteen fire fighters went into the building using breathing apparatus, four jets and a hose reel.Ó

Fire crews attended from Bordon, Grayshott, Alton, Basingstoke, Rushmoor, Hawley and Farnham. Altogether there were 54 firefighters and six officers in attendance.

Mr Gates said: ÒThere was a crew change at 9-15 pm, with reliefs coming from Southampton, Basingstoke, Liphook and Rushmoor to relieve the firefighters who had been battling the fire since 6 pm.

ÒThe firefighters had to make sure that the fire wasnÕt going to reignite before the scene could be sealed off.Ó

The building, which was built in the 1950s, had a multi-layered roof system which meant that the fire spread quickly.

The Army, which owns the former Scout hut and surrounding buildings, was in the process of Ògetting rid of the siteÓ before it was set alight.

Major Jim Wilcoxson from the Bordon Garrison said: ÒWe had tried our best to maintain the site, but children still managed to get in there.

ÒThe site was up for disposal because its been empty for about three years.Ó

Contractors will now be employed to clear the T-shaped site before it is sold.

Anyone with any information about the fire should contact Pc Vic Roach at the MoD police on 01420 485570.