Multiple vehicles set on fire in suspected arson in Wimborne
Fire crews were called in the early hours of Monday (13th May)
Last updated 15th May 2023
Fire crews in Dorset have been dealing with a spate of vehicle fires in Wimborne, Broadstone and Merley.
Video on social media appears to show vehicles alight in the early hours of Monday morning (13th May).
Dorset Police have now confirmed 12 vehicles and one property has been affected.
The locations with reported incidents were Wentworth Drive, Oakley Hill, Oakley Road, Merley Ways, Stour Walk, New Borough Road, Grove Road and Leigh Road, between 1.00am and 3.00am.
Victims have described the scene as being 'like a warzone'.
Grant Stewart, 33, a builder from Ferndown, said people were running around in a panic and cars "banging".
"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," Mr Stewart told the PA news agency.
"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."
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: "We’re currently dealing with multiple incidents in Wimborne.
"Don’t be alarmed if you notice a significant fire service presence in the area whilst these are brought under control."
Chloe Torring, 25, a hairdresser from Wimborne, said:
"I was woken up by my neighbour ringing my doorbell to tell me my car is on fire.
"I was in complete shock and disbelief."
Ms Torring added she was "gutted" as she had owned the car for only five months.
"It's heart-wrenching to think someone would do such a horrible thing, for no good reason," she said.
"My car is completely destroyed. The engine is on the floor, I have no front half of my car - there's just charcoal inside."
Detective Sergeant Simon Austin, of Dorset 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. People will see visible police activity as officers are making house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.
“We are appealing for any witnesses to any of the incidents or anyone who might have seen suspicious activity in the roads mentioned to please come forward.
“Also, I would 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 of relevance that could help us.
"Additional neighbourhood officers will be in the area who can be approached for advice and support."
There's now an appeal for information into the incidents, with any witnesses asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting reference number 55230073977.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.