Between approximately 1am and 3am, multiple car fires in the Broadstone, Wimborne and Merley areas were reported to police. Most cars were parked on the road or in private car parks, while one was situated under a flat with occupants asleep inside at the time.

At least 12 vehicles and one property were affected, although comments on social media indicated that there may have been more. The locations with reported incidents were Wentworth Drive, Broadstone; Oakley Hill, Oakley Road and Merley Ways, Merley; and Stour Walk, New Borough Road, Grove Road and Leigh Road, Wimborne.

Dorset Police are investigating the reports and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

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. 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.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230073977. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.