ARSONISTS set fire to a derelict property in North Dorset last week.

Firefighters were called to a blaze at the empty building in Milton on Stour, near Gillingham, just before 9.10pm on Wednesday, May 17.

No one was in the address.

Following an investigation, it is now believed that the fire was started deliberately.

PC Simon Rogers, of North Dorset police, called for anyone with information to come forward.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have information about a vehicle which was seen near the property at around 8.30pm that evening," he said.

“The property is fenced off and this was a deliberate act to set fire to the building.

"This incident has caused financial implications and great inconvenience to the owner of the property and the emergency services that attended. Concern was also caused to neighbours who spent an anxious few hours concerned the fire might have spread to their properties.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55170072599.