A 19-year-old man has been arrested after three beach huts were set on fire and another 31 broken into or damaged at Mudeford Sandbank.

The man from Christchurch has been arrested on suspicion of arson and burglary and he is currently assisting detectives with their enquiries.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, February 6, morning, saw police and fire crews attend the scene.

Bournemouth Echo: Damaged Mudeford Sandbank beach hutsDamaged Mudeford Sandbank beach huts

As reported yesterday, Dorset Police was called by the fire service at 2.40am on Saturday to a report that three beach huts were on fire at Mudeford Sandbank near Hengistbury Head.

There was nobody inside any of the beach huts and no one was injured during the incident.

A full investigation was launched and a cordon was put in place to allow for a thorough examination of the scene to take place. 

A 15-year-old boy from Bournemouth who was previously arrested on suspicion of arson and burglary has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Andrew Kennard, of Bournemouth CID, said: "Our investigation into this incident remains ongoing and I am still keen to hear from anyone who was in the area and witnessed what happened.

"If you have any information that may assist my investigation and have not yet spoken to police, please get in touch.

"We are continuing to work with BCP Council to identify the owners of all the beach huts involved in this incident. I would like to renew my appeal to anyone who owns a beach hut that has been affected and has not yet been contacted by either BCP Council or Dorset Police, please contact Dorset Police quoting the incident number below."

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 6:48. Alternatively, to stay anonymous, contact Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.