PLUMES of smoke were seen billowing from Boots in Bournemouth Square after a security device was activated this afternoon.

The automatic smoke machine went off after the front door was smashed.

Known as a smoke cloak, the security device is used to prevent thieves from being able to see in the event of a break-in.

A spokesman from Dorset Police said officers were first called to the scene at around 3.20pm.

She said: “The door was kicked-in and the alarm was activated. There was damage to the door. It appears to be an incident of criminal damage.”

The spokesman confirmed one person was helping police with their enquiries in relation to the incident.

Nothing is believed to have been taken from the store, which was closed at the time of the incident.

Firefighters were also called to the premises and confirmed there was no fire inside the building.