A MAN arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life has been released on police bail as officers continue to make inquiries.

The 20-year-old was detained yesterday following a spate of incidents in the Burton area of Christchurch.

The arrest was also on suspicion of criminal damage and arson following incidents in the Martins Hill Lane and Summers Lane areas on Saturday evening.

At around 7.35pm police were told that damage had been caused to a vehicle that was parked in Martins Hill Lane. A rock was found inside the vehicle and damage was caused to the front and rear windscreens, as well as a side window.

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A short time later an object was thrown through the window of a property in Martins Hill Lane, narrowly missing the occupant who was inside watching television. Shortly afterwards, another vehicle that was parked in Martins Hill Lane was found to be on fire.

A fourth incident was reported to Dorset Police at 9.13pm that a fire was started deliberately at a property in Summers Lane.

The property was badly damaged and forensics officers were at the scene for most of the following day.

A number of other reported offences are being investigated between Monday March 15 and Tuesday March 23.

Detective Constable Luke Davis of Bournemouth CID continues to appeal for information.

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He said: "We have recorded further reported crimes outside of this date period in this area and we are particularly interested to hear from anyone in Burton who either has home CCTV cameras and may have captured something of relevance or seen a young male on a pedal bike acting suspiciously in the area.

"Again I would appeal to anyone who has any information that may assist our investigation to please contact Dorset Police, or Crimestoppers anonymously.

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55210044694, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.