Detectives investigating reports of arson and burglaries at beach huts in Southbourne have made an arrest.
Dorset Police was called by the fire service at 2.40am on Saturday 6 February 2021 to a report that three beach huts were on fire at Mudeford sandbank near Hengistbury Head.
Officers attended and established that a further 31 beach huts had allegedly been broken into or damaged. Enquiries are underway to establish whether anything was reportedly stolen.
There was nobody inside any of the beach huts and no one was injured during the incident.
A full investigation is underway and a cordon remains in place to allow for a thorough examination of the scene to take place.
Following enquiries, a 15-year-old boy from Bournemouth has been arrested on suspicion of arson and burglary. He is currently assisting detectives with their enquiries.
Detective Inspector Andrew Kennard, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We are continuing to carry out detailed enquiries into this incident and I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and witnessed what happened to please get in touch.
“I am also keen to speak to anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the vicinity around the time of the incident. Residents in the nearby surrounding area are urged to check their home CCTV systems for any relevant footage to assist my investigation.
“We are working with BCP Council to identify the owners of the beach huts involved in this incident. If you own a beach hut that has been affected and you have not yet been contacted by either BCP Council or Dorset Police, please contact Dorset Police quoting the incident number below.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting incident number 6:48. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.
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