POLICE are hunting yobs who torched an historic chapel at the weekend.

The emergency services were called to Blandford Chapel in Cemetery Road early on the morning of Sunday, September 15 following the blaze, which is believed to have started between 5pm on Saturday and 7.15am on Sunday.

Those responsible for the blaze forced entry to the church through a glass window and started three separate fires inside before making their escape.

PC Rob Hammond, of Blandford Police, said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this arson take place, or may have information about those responsible to contact us on the non emergency number 101.

“The blaze has caused significant damage to the chapel and will no doubt have caused great inconvenience to the local community. I am also appealing to the public for information regarding an attempted theft of petrol from a Ford Transit van at around 9.50am on Sunday, 15 September, which we believe to be linked to this fire.

“The vehicle was parked by the main gates of the church and it is believed the offender has gone straight to this van after escaping the chapel. It is possible they planned to use fuel from this van to accelerate the blaze.”

No arrests have been made.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 15:135. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.