THE cause of a fire that ripped through a Hamworthy workshop and destroyed a boat is under investigation, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service says.

Neighbours reported a “huge explosion” in the early hours of this morning and flames were spotted at the private workshop behind a bungalow in Woodlands Crescent.

No-one was in injured in the blaze but the boat and workshop were extensively damaged. A tree also suffered significant damage in the drama.

Neighbour Tyler Duggan said: “We heard a huge explosion about 1.30am. Wondering what was going on, I looked out to see flames climbing one of the largest trees in our area.

“They must have been a good 35 feet high. It must have been raging for some time. Fire crews were quick to get the upper hand on the flames though.”

Another neighbour said they were woken by an explosion and saw firefighters gain access to the property via an adjacent garden.

Four fire crews eventually attended the scene and firefighters tackled the flames with breathing apparatus and hose reels.