He said; "This is a horrible start to the new year for Winchester. Any damage is hugely disappointing and will be costly for the businesses affected while the impact on some very old parts of our Cathedral will I know make local people very sad indeed.
"Early reports I am receiving suggest this is an isolated incident and the work of one disturbed individual. We need to quickly ascertain why he did this and ensure he not only faces the full force of the law but fully faces up to the people and property he has so clearly disrespected in a few moments of madness last night."
The fires began just before 7pm on New Year's Day at The Deanery where some cardboard and some books were set alight in front of the doors. The damage is expected to cost up to £3000.
A few minutes later, a bin was set alight outside Phase Eight in the High Street, at the junction with Parchment Street, and pushed through a window, before a third fire was started at the popular Bengal Sage restaurant on St Georges Street.
A 47 year old man, Sean Clements, has since been charged with arson, a racially aggravated public order and causing actual bodily harm.
Pictured; The Phase 8 store in Parchment Street which was badly gutted by fire after being set alight.
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