FIREFIGHTERS and police officers were called to a fire that ‘destroyed’ a car in Boscombe early this morning.

At around 5.50am crews from Springbourne and Christchurch were joined by Dorset Police where a car was believed to have ‘exploded’ according to bystanders.

The incident happened just before 6am at Knole Road.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “One vehicle was well alight. It was extinguished using two breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet. But the car was destroyed by the fire.

“We had two pumps, one from Springbourne and one from Christchurch, and the stop message was issued at 6.04am.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police added: “We don’t know if it was malicious or not. We assisted the fire service on the scene. The vehicle has been recovered, it belonged to a local keeper, and enquiries continue.”