POLICE say there could have been "devastating consequences" for an elderly resident after a lit match was put through the letterbox of their Christchurch home.

Officers were called to a property in Riverslea Mews, Purewell, shortly after 3.30pm on Sunday, May 8 after the match was dropped into the address.

The match didn't cause a fire inside the property but a mark was left on the carpet inside.

Police investigating the offence made enquiries in the area by knocking on doors.

Officers from the force, firefighters and representatives from a number of other agencies have also returned to the address to reassure the elderly victim No arrests have yet been made.

Neighbourhood Inspector Lance Cliff, of Christchurch police, said: “This was an extremely irresponsible act and I would urge anyone with information about the offender to please call Dorset Police on 101.

“Thankfully the match did not set anything inside the house alight. This type of reckless behaviour could have led to devastating and tragic consequences.

“Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams have been carrying out extra patrols in the area to reassure the victim and local residents.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 8:275. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.