A SHOPPING Centre in Boscombe was evacuated this afternoon following a fire.

The Sovereign Centre on Christchurch Road was evacuated after two people set fire to a bin in one of the toilets. 

A spokesperson for the Sovereign Centre told the Daily Echo the shopping complex was evacuated after two people set fire to a bin, completely melting it and leaving the air "toxic".

READ MORE: Two vehicles completely destroyed by fire in Charminster

Three crews from Springbourne, Westbourne and Christchurch attended the scene at 3.22pm on Saturday, December 18.

When crews arrived the fire was completely extinguished and the firefighters left the area at 3.29pm.

The incident has been reported to Dorset Police.