HORSES were evacuated after a fire at a stable believed to have been started deliberately.

Firefighters were alerted after a report of smoke and flames at a rural location near Sherborne last night.

They discovered a caravan and part of a timber framed stable block ablaze.

Crews requested help from the brigade’s off-road light vehicle due to difficult access so a Land Rover from Maiden Newton fire station was sent.

Most of the caravan was destroyed and part of the gable end of the stable block was affected. Three horses had to be evacuated by their owners.

Police are investigating the incident near Sandford Orcas.