POLICE have launched an arson investigation after a heath fire damaged a "significant area of land".

Officers believe the blaze at Turbary Park Common in Bournemouth was started deliberately on Friday evening.

A swift response from the fire service ensured the incident did not spread to nearby homes.

It is reported that two boys aged around 15 years old were seen running away from the area shortly after the fire was first spotted.

One was described as wearing a cream-coloured top and the other was described as wearing a blue top.

Dorset Police received a report at 7.13pm on June 4 from the fire service of the incident on the heath near Kinson Road and Canford Avenue.

The force is appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Conor Nixon, of Bournemouth police, said: “Thanks to the efforts of the fire service, nobody was injured during the incident and the fire was extinguished before it reached any surrounding residential properties.

“We are treating this fire as a suspected arson and I would urge anyone with information about who is responsible, or who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident, to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210088831. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.

As reported, firefighters rushed to Turbary Common to tackle a heath blaze on Saturday, May 22.

This incident saw crews from Poole, Redhill Park, Ferndown, Wimborne, Christchurch, Hamworthy and Ringwood attend the scene to extinguish the blaze.