A FACTORY unit in Poole has been left severely damaged after a fire overnight.

The fire at the unit at Holton Heath is believed to have started around 11.30pm on Monday night.

Two crews from Poole were sent but requested extra assistance including special appliances from Wareham, Westbourne and Bere Regis.

At its height, around 40 fire fighters were battling the blaze.

The fire left 40 per cent of the building severely damaged with the rest suffering smoke and heat damage.

Around 200 coconut mats were also damaged.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.