Dorset streets 'like a warzone' as 12 cars set on fire overnight

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Multiple cars set on fire in Dorset
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Residents have described a scene "like a warzone" after a night when a dozen car fires were reported around Dorset.

The vehicles were set alight in the early hours of Monday across three areas of the southwest English county.

Emergency services were called to the scene of multiple fires in Broadstone, Wimborne and Merley between 1am and 3am.

A property was also affected by one fire.

 Local residents have described a scene "like a warzone" as police investigate reports of a dozen car fires in the early hours of Monday
Local residents have described a scene "like a warzone" as police investigate reports of a dozen car fires in the early hours of Monday
Local residents have described a scene "like a warzone" as police investigate reports of a dozen car fires in the early hours of Monday

Grant Stewart, a 33-year-old builder from Ferndown, described the scene as a "warzone" with people panicking and cars "banging".

Mr Stewart said: "I was woken up by a bang and thought it was a car crash, looked out the window to see an orange glow and people running around.

"One person comes running to the scene to wake up one of the owners of the car and their car was on fire.

"I went out to find it was like a warzone with three cars ablaze and bangs going off."

Local residents have described a scene "like a warzone" as police investigate reports of a dozen car fires in the early hours of Monday
Local residents have described a scene "like a warzone" as police investigate reports of a dozen car fires in the early hours of Monday
Police investigating car fires in Dorset
Image: Police investigating car fires in Dorset

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Dorset Police are now probing to "identify those responsible" for the fires as Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue aid with their investigation.

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."

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Pic:Chloe Torring
Image: Pic: Chloe Torring
Pic:Chloe Torring
Image: Pic: Chloe Torring

Police are to make door-to-door enquiries too.

Those in the affected areas with CCTV cameras on their houses or dashcams are also being encouraged to help in their investigation.

Witnesses of the incidents or any suspicious activity on the streets are being urged to come forward too.