A FLAMING object was put through the letter box of Bridport Town Council offices at Mountfield in the early hours of this morning.

Police arrested a 23-year-old homeless man thanks to public help, quick police response and CCTV images.

PC Scott McGregor said: “At approximately 1.45am today Dorset Police along with Dorset Fire and Rescue were called after a man was seen to start a fire within the entrance of Mountfield.

“Officers were dispatched and were in the area searching the vicinity within minutes.

“Through quick attendance of officers and the invaluable use of the Bridport Town CCTV system, the operators were able to identify the whereabouts of a man matching the description.

“As a result of this a 23-year-old old man of no fixed abode was arrested for arson and is currently being questioned by Police.”

PC McGregor said crimes of this type were indiscriminate and the risk of significant damage to property and the further collateral damage to neighbouring property is immense.

He said: “I would like to thank the public who called us and through the prompt action of all it allowed Dorset Fire and rescue to safely extinguish the fire preventing it to spread and that of my colleagues from Dorset Police who arrested a suspect, thus preventing any further serious offences from occurring.”

Town clerk Bob Gillis said: “I am pleased to say that, thanks to the fast response of the police and fire and rescue services, there was minimal damage to the building and it is understood that a person was quickly arrested in connection with the incident.

“The town council is very grateful for the swift action of both services and for the assistance of the members of the public who alerted the emergency services, which ensured that the incident did not escalate into something that could have been a lot more serious.”

Mountfield was open to the public as usual this morning and services were not interrupted.

If you have any information regarding this crime ring 101 or crimestoppers 0800 555 111.