Detectives in Dorset are appealing to the public for help following a suspected arson incident at Sherborne Police Station in the early hours of Saturday 25 April 2026.
Emergency services were alerted at approximately 3.30am after a small fire broke out outside the station’s boiler room. Fortunately, the blaze was contained before it could spread to the main building, and no injuries were reported. However, the circumstances surrounding the incident have led investigators to believe the fire was started deliberately.
Officers from Dorset County CID have since launched a full investigation and are now seeking assistance from the public to identify a man they believe may be able to help with their enquiries. Images of the individual have been released, although police acknowledge that the quality is limited.
Detective Inspector Rich Barnett, leading the investigation, urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. He said that even seemingly minor details could prove vital in progressing the case. “An investigation has been launched into this incident and I am appealing for anyone with information that might assist our enquiries to please contact us,” he said.
He added that identifying the man in the released images is a key priority. “I am also issuing images of a man I would like to identify and I am keen to hear from anyone with information relating to his identity. I appreciate these images are not the best quality, but I am hopeful someone may still recognise the individual.”
While the fire itself caused only limited damage, the deliberate targeting of a police station is being treated with the utmost seriousness. Incidents of this nature not only pose a potential risk to property but also to public safety and essential emergency services.
Police are urging anyone who may have been in the area at the time, or who may have captured dashcam or CCTV footage, to review their recordings for anything suspicious.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260060679. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously via its website or by calling 0800 555 111.
