Dorset city has been described by residents as “like a war zone” after arsonists torched a dozen vehicles within the early hours of Monday.

Police and fireplace crews had been known as out to blazes throughout the Broadstone, Wimborne and Merley areas, because the wave of arson unfolded between 1am and 3am.

Dorset Police has launched an investigation in a bid to “identify those responsible” for the fires, which officers stated affected 12 autos and one constructing.

Grant Stewart, 33, a builder from the city of Ferndown, described the scene as a “war zone” with individuals operating round in a panic and vehicles “banging”.

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“I was woken up by a bang and thought it was a car crash, looked out the window to see an orange glow and people running around,” stated Mr Stewart.

“One person comes running to the scene to wake up one of the owners of the car and their car was on fire.

“I went out to find it was like a war zone with three cars ablaze and bangs going off.”

Chloe Torring, 25, a hairdresser from Wimborne, stated she is “gutted” after the automotive she purchased simply 5 months in the past was destroyed in one of many fires.

“I was woken up by my neighbour ringing my doorbell to tell me my car is on fire,” she stated. “I was in complete shock and disbelief.”

“It’s heart-wrenching to think someone would do such a horrible thing, for no good reason.

“My car is completely destroyed. The engine is on the floor, I have no front half of my car – there’s just charcoal inside.”

Detective Sergeant Simon Austin, of County CID, stated: “These incidents have affected a large number of victims in the wider Wimborne area and we are aware that this will cause concern.

“I would like to reassure our local communities that officers are currently investigating all reported incidents and are making every effort to identify those responsible.

“People will see visible police activity as officers are making house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.”

Officers are interesting for any witnesses of the incidents or anybody who has seen suspicious exercise to come back ahead, and urging anybody who might have CCTV or dashcam footage to examine their cameras.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service stated: “We have attended multiple vehicle fires in the Wimborne area between midnight and 2.30am this morning (May 15).

“We are supporting our police colleagues with their investigation.”