13 vehicles set on fire in Dorset towns

Police arrest man after residents awoken by vehicle explosions

Detectives are investigating a string of apparently random arson attacks on cars in and around a quiet Dorset town.

Thirteen vehicles were set on fire overnight in the Wimborne and Poole areas of Dorset. Two properties were also destroyed or damaged on the night of Sunday 14 May and the early hours of Monday morning.

Fire crews worked through the night to put the fires out.

A local man, who has not been named by police, was arrested on suspicion of arson. Dorset police said in a statement: “A full investigation was launched and following a number of enquiries a local man aged in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of arson.”

The first fire is believed to have been started in Broadstone village, on the outskirts of Poole, but the majority took place three miles north in Wimborne.

The fire from one vehicle parked in Poole Road, Wimborne, spread to a home, almost trapping a mother and her two daughters inside a flat.

Dorset Police have appealed for witnesses and anyone with home CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward as it seeks to build a picture of the events.

Chief Inspector Andy Edwards said: “This matter has been the subject of a detailed investigation and I would like to thank everyone who responded to our appeals for information, as well as residents in the area for their patience and understanding as we conduct enquiries in the vicinity.

“We fully understand the impact of these incidents on the victims, but also within the wider communities.

“I want to take this opportunity to reassure residents that officers from our neighbourhood policing teams will continue to carry out enhanced patrols in the area and can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”