Security stepped-up after Mudeford beach huts arson attack

BCP Council, which says it is working with beach hut owners, says fencing was quickly erected at the scene and additional security has been put in place.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the incident continues – and two people arrested on suspicion of burglary and arson remain on police bail.

The damaged beach huts

Three of the beach huts at Mudeford Sandbank, Christchurch, were completely destroyed by fire and another 31 broken into in the early house of Saturday, February 6.

Police and fire crews were called at 2.40am. There was no one inside any of the beach huts and no one was injured during the incident.

Two teenagers, a 19-year-old from Christchurch and a 15-year-old from Bournemouth, have since been arrested.

READ: Second teenager arrested in connection with beach hut fire

BCP Council member for tourism, leisure and culture, Cllr Mohan Iyengar, said: "We know that this shocking incident has been deeply upsetting for people whose huts were damaged.

"It has also affected a much wider group of people who live nearby and frequent the area.

"From the first alert, council officers were on the scene quickly.

"Fencing was put in place and additional security arranged. These arrangements will stay for several weeks to keep people safe.

"In parallel, we are working with members of the Mudeford Sandbank Beach Hut Association to discuss their concerns and agree how we take things forward."

READ: Hut owners speak out after fire

The huts regularly sell for more than £300,000 each and draw thousands of curious visitors to the Hengistbury Head area all year round.

The damaged beach huts.Photo by Stephen Bath

On Thursday, February 18, a Dorset Police spokesman confirmed: "The investigation is continuing into the incident.

"The two arrested people remain on police bail as enquiries continue."