DETECTIVES investigating a devastating fire which ripped through historic Parnham House near Beaminster at the weekend have arrested a man on suspicion of arson.

Police were called by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service at 4.10am on Saturday, April 15 to reports of a large fire at Parnham House.

Officers attended to assist the fire service while they tackled the extensive blaze.

Twenty firecrews from across the county were involved in tackling the blaze at the Grade I stately home.

The fire was confirmed to have been fully extinguished this morning, Wednesday.

The house, which dates back to the 16th century, suffered a significant amount of damage.

It is not believed anyone was inside the property at the time of the fire.

The property is likely to be cordoned off for some time to allow investigators to examine the scene.

Dorset Police said today that a 68-year-old Beaminster man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and is currently assisting police with enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 15:69. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org