TWO doormen were the victims of a petrol bomb attack just minutes after they finished their shift at a Basingstoke nightclub.

The clothing of the two men was set alight, although they managed to put the flames out with their hands.

The incident occurred at 2.15am on Saturday as the men returned to their cars in a nearby car park after working at the Bang Bar, Basing View.

Detective Constable Alan Maxwell, from Basingstoke CID, said: "One of the doormen said he felt heat on his face and then looked around to find his shoulder on fire. He also spotted his workmate's back on fire.

"They both managed to pat themselves out before any injuries were sustained."

Friday had been the opening night for new "hip hop" sessions at the club.

The manager at the bar, Caroline Bonner, said that despite the attack, the night had gone very well.

"We rarely have any trouble here because we are away from the town centre," she said.

The two men were part of a group of four doormen from Barons Security and had been employed to work on the door at the Bang Bar.

One of the men is a 21-year-old from Farnham.

Det Con Maxwell said he is keeping an open mind as to the motive for the petrol bombing.

He said one of the doormen had caught a glimpse of a youth with a bottle and had heard it hit the ground just before they were struck by fire.

Det Con Maxwell added that there was a strong smell of petrol.

Police are studying CCTV footage and have also sent a glass bottle, believed to have been used in the attack, for forensic examination.

They are appealing for anyone in the area at the time to come forward.

"It was a very busy night at the bar so people leaving may have seen something," said Det Con Maxwell.

"This is a very serious incident and I would urge anyone who saw anything to contact the police."

Anyone with any information should call Basingstoke police on 0845 045 45 45.