FIREFIGHTERS have been called to a suspected arson in Poole.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue crews were called to Bournemouth Road at 5.37pm on Wednesday for a blaze in a derelict former care home.

The fire is believed to have been started deliberately on the first floor.

Crews from Westbourne, Poole, Springbourne and Redhill Park attended alongside an aerial ladder platform from Westbourne and a support unit from Hamworthy.

Bournemouth Road was closed while the incident was dealt with, and a number of Morebus services were diverted throughout the evening.

Bournemouth Echo: Photo: DWFRPhoto: DWFR (Image: DWFR)

The fire was extinguished using two hose reel jets, a main jet and six breathing apparatus.

No injuries have been reported.

Speaking at the scene, station manager Allan Frias said: “We were called to smoke issuing from the first floor of a derelict, ex residential building. It’s believed to be a malicious fire started on the first floor.

"The investigation is currently taking place. The fire is now extinguished. There was no one inside so no injuries."

Bournemouth Road has now been re-opened.