A SPEED camera was deliberately set alight in a "reckless" act causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. 

The new-style speed camera in Ringwood Road, Three Legged Cross, was set alight sometime between 3am and 3.20am on Wednesday, August 18.

Police say the camera was “significantly damaged” and have appealed for witnesses to contact them.

Police Constable Matt Brennan, of East Dorset Police, said: “This reckless act has caused many thousands of pounds worth of damage to the camera.

“I am appealing to anyone who either witnessed the incident, drove past and may have captured suspicious activity on dashcam or has any home CCTV that may be useful to my investigation to please come forward.”

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210133016.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.