A SUSPECTED arsonist was hunted by police today after a fire sparked through a letter box at a community hall.

Firefighters were called to the scene shortly before 1pm following reports of smoke at the Fairview Youth & Community Centre in George Street, Reading.

When they arrived, it immediately became clear that the fire was started intentionally by someone pushing a burning object through the letter box, and Thames Valley Police were called to the scene.

The blaze caused significant damage to the front door and a blind inside the building, but fire crews confirmed there was nobody inside the building at the time of the blaze.

Firefighter Steve Whiteside said: "I'm suspecting that it was an arson.

"There was nobody inside the building and they didn't do it very successfully but it did damage 25 per cent of the front door and a blind which thankfully had some fire retardancy.

"We had a call from the key holders at Reading Borough Council to attend and there was quite a lot of smoke when we arrived.

"We waited for that to vent and then we made sure there was no spread."

Mr Whiteside confirmed Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service contacted the police to report the arson attack, and said the force would continue investigations to find the culprit.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police added: "We were called about a front door letter box on fire and arson was suspected.

"It was reported to us by the fire service at 12.50pm.

"We are investigating."

Anyone with information should contact 101.