Dozen vehicles and home set alight in arson attacks across Dorset

A dozen vehicles were found on fire in Dorset in the early hours of this morning (May 15). Dorset Police has launched an investigation following reports of multiple vehicle fires in the Wimborne and Poole areas.

Police say the fires were reported between around 1am and 3am, with one property also affected. A picture sent to Dorset Live shows two vehicles well alight while a second shows the destruction caused to the interior of one car.

The fires were reported in the Broadstone, Wimborne and Merley areas. The specific locations with reported incidents were Wentworth Drive, Oakley Hill, Oakley Road, Merley Ways, Stour Walk, New Borough Road, Grove Road and Leigh Road.

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Detective Sergeant Simon Austin, of County CID, said: “These incidents have affected a large number of victims in the wider Wimborne area and we are aware that this will cause concern.

“I would like to reassure our local communities that officers are currently investigating all reported incidents and are making every effort to identify those responsible. People will see visible police activity as officers are making house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.

“We are appealing for any witnesses to any of the incidents or anyone who might have seen suspicious activity in the roads mentioned to please come forward.

“Also, I would urge anyone who may have home CCTV installed in those areas and anyone with dashcam to please check their footage to see if there is anything of relevance that could help us.

“Additional neighbourhood officers will be in the area who can be approached for advice and support.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online here or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230073977. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online here or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

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