A 41-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with 18 counts of arson after vehicles were damaged in Wimborne and the surrounding area.
In the early hours of Monday, May 15, 2023, between around 1am and 3am, multiple car fires were reported in the Broadstone, Wimborne and Merley areas.
In total, 18 reports were received relating to damage to vehicles and property, Dorset Police said, with incidents in included Wentworth Drive, Oakley Hill, Oakley Road, Merley Way, Stour Walk, New Borough Road, Grove Road and Leigh Road among them.
Following initial enquiries by officers, a 41-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of arson and released on police bail.
In the months that followed, detectives from Dorset County CID said they carried out “an extensive investigation to compile detailed evidence”.
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Now, after liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service, the arrested man has been charged with 18 counts of arson and is due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on May 23.
Chief Superintendent Julie Howe, Local Policing Commander for Dorset County, said: “This has been a complex investigation and following comprehensive work by detectives, we have now secured charges in this case.
“This matter will now be the subject of active court proceedings, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this stage.
“It is important that the criminal justice process is allowed to follow its course, and we would urge members of the public to refrain from speculation or online commentary while these proceedings are active.”
