A MAN is in a critical condition in hospital following a suspected arson attack in north Dorset.

Police said yesterday that a 69-year-old man from the Blandford area was taken to Dorset County Hospital and was in a “stable but critical” condition.

The Dorset fire service was called to the semi-detached property in the remote village of Ibberton, shortly before 5am on Sunday, with Dorset Police alerted soon after.

The family in the adjoining house had a lucky escape and firefighters were able to save their home from any major damage, while the fire-hit home next door was destroyed.

Speaking to the Daily Echo at the scene on Sunday, witnesses described seeing a man on the ground next to a van near the burning house as the fire took hold.

Nobody was in the home when the fire started.

On Monday police confirmed they were investigating the incident as arson.

Firefighters spent Sunday damping down while police and fire investigators – who are conducting a joint inquiry – examined the gutted house.

The fire service maintained a presence at the scene yesterday.

At its height six fire crews from around the county were on hand to fight the blaze.