A dozen vehicles were set on fire across Wimborne and surrounding areas in the early hours of Monday (May 15).

Dorset Police are investigating after reports of multiple vehicle fires between 1am and 3am in the Broadstone, Wimborne and Merley areas.

It is believed that 12 vehicles and one property were affected at locations in Wentworth Drive, Oakley Hill, Oakley Road, Stour Walk, New Borough Road, Grove Road and Leigh Road, as well as Merley Ways.

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 communities that officers are 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 or anyone who might have seen suspicious activity in the roads mentioned to please come forward.

“I would also 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 that could help us.

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

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said they attended incidents between 11.30pm on Sunday and 2.30am on Monday.

Resident Darren Keats was among those who took to social media after the incidents, posting a video of the aftermath across Wimborne.

“What happened in Wimborne last night?” he asked.

Another Wimborne resident who did not wish to be named, whose car was among those damaged, said they were awoken at around 1.20am.

“We were watching from my window, there were bangs and explosions, with the flames getting bigger and bigger. It was scary,” she said.