When one car was set alight in Leigh Gardens on Sunday 5 December, it subsequently caused damage to another vehicle that was parked nearby.

Dorset Police received a report about the incident from the fire service at 5.37am.

Police Constable Sam Kinsella, of East Dorset police, said: “We are carrying out a number of enquiries into this incident to establish the cause of the fire, including carrying out house-to-house visits.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the area during the early hours of Sunday 5 December to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210195361. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.