SHOCKED residents had to be evacuated from a block of flats after an arson attack sparked a major fire in the parking garage below.

Emergency services rushed to the apartment complex in Wolverton Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth just before 8pm on Saturday.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) confirmed a two vehicles were involved in the fire in the underground car park.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture by Dorset Police 

No-one was injured in the incident but, all residents are still being told to stay away today.

A sign posted onto the door read: "Due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to shut the block.
"We have arranged for temporary accommodation."

Detective Constable Sara Freestone, of Bournemouth CID, said: "Following a number of enquiries and in close consultation with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, we are now treating this fire as suspected arson and it is believed to have originated in a vehicle in the car parking area beneath the property."

Residents declined to comment when approached by the Daily Echo.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture by Dorset Police

However, one neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "We obviously saw all the commotion, we were told no-one had been hurt.

"Basically there was smoke coming up from the underground garage. You couldn't see any flames but the smoke looked like it was coming out of some of the flats.

"I think there has been a lot of damaged caused, the residents looked pretty shocked by what was going on."

Fire crews from Springbourne, Christchurch, Westbourne, Redhill Park, Poole and the command unit from Sherborne attended along with officers.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture by @DWFRSSBroad

Det Con Freestone said: "This fire caused significant disruption to residents and I would like to thank everyone involved in the effort to ensure those affected were evacuated safely and had somewhere to stay while the incident was dealt with.

"We have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the fire and I am appealing to anyone with information or who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area yesterday evening to please contact police.”

Officers attended and assisted with evacuating the premises and putting road closures in place to ensure the safety of members of the public. 

The local authority also assisted with providing temporary accommodation for displaced residents.

A rest centre was set up by the council and the Red Cross.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the stop message was received at 9.04pm.