VANDALS set cars and a home on fire and smashed windows in a night of violence in Christchurch.

Emergency services were called to Burton after a series of incidents starting at 7.30pm on Saturday night.

Windows were smashed on a car parked outside a home in Martins Hill Lane before offenders returned to set a car on fire in another property.

A brick was also hurled through a window, narrowly missing a person inside the property, in the same road.

A bungalow was also set on fire in nearby Summers Lane.

Bournemouth Echo:

Now residents have voiced fears that someone is going to get hurt.

One victim told the Daily Echo: "I heard an absolutely horrendous smashing noise and went outside to find the windscreen of my car had been smashed and a brick had been thrown through the rear window.

"About an hour later I heard another smashing noise and saw one of my neighbours chasing someone up the road.

"We then heard screams and realised a brick had been thrown through a window, narrowly missing a woman who was watching the television. She was absolutely distraught.

"It is frightening people - someone is going to get hurt."

Another witness said: "We heard a commotion outside and went out to see a car smashed up and another with its front grill on fire.

"All the neighbours were out trying to see what was going on but the person responsible had already gone."

Bournemouth Echo:

Residents have taken to social media to voice their concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area.

They said there have been numerous similar incidents in recent weeks and many have reported that a youth on a bike, wearing a grey hoodie, may be responsible for all the offences.

One said: "A spate of mindless vandalism took place last night. There seems to be an increase in the village lately of vandalism and burglaries.

"Be vigilant and keep your belongings locked up and as safe as they can be."

Another said there have been similar incidents in Avon View Road and in Campbell Road.