The new-style speed camera on Ringwood Road in Three Legged Cross was deliberately set alight sometime between 3am and 3.20am on Wednesday 18 August 2021. The fire service attended and extinguished the blaze and the camera was significantly damaged.

Police Constable Matt Brennan, of East Dorset Police, said: “This reckless act has caused many thousands of pounds worth of damage to the camera.

“I am appealing to anyone who either witnessed the incident, drove past and may have captured suspicious activity on dashcam or has any home CCTV that may be useful to my investigation to please come forward.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210133016. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.