Dorset Police news site

Officers are appealing for information as they step up patrols in response to a series of arson incidents in a Poole street.

Dorset Police received a report at 3.38am on Sunday 20 October 2024 of a vehicle fire in Princess Road, which was believed to have been started deliberately.

A further report was received at 5.19am that morning of a fire involving a bin at the entrance to the park in Princess Road, which again was believed to have been started deliberately.

Reports of suspicious vehicle fires in the road were also received on Tuesday 10 September, Sunday 29 September and Thursday 3 October 2024.

This follows reports of bins being set on fire in February, March and August of this year as well as a fire involving a mattress in July.

Sergeant Euan Douglas, of the Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Officers are continuing to investigate the incidents that occurred during the early hours of Sunday 20 October 2024, and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the vicinity to please make contact with us.

“I would also ask that residents with home CCTV systems or doorbell cameras, as well as any motorists with dashcam who were in the area, please check their footage for anything that might assist our enquiries.

“We are keen to hear from anyone with information relating to all of these incidents.

“We are working with our partners in the local authority and fire service and we will continue to conduct additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.

“Our officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240161670. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.