POLICE are hunting arsonists following five fires on Portland in one night.

Multiple vehicles were set on fire and severley damaged and other fires started at properties in what the police have called 'malicious fires'.

The incidents happened between 4.56pm yesterday, July 23, and 1.03am this morning.

Police officers want to talk to anyone who may have any information.

Just before 5pm yesterday, a fire was reported at a disused show house near The Customs House, Castletown, which has been unoccupied for some years.

One small fire was started inside the property and two small fires were started on the grass outside of the premises.

Just after 10pm during the same evening, a vehicle fire was reported near to Atlantic House, Ayton Drive. A VW Polo was severely damaged by fire along with less serious damage to numerous vehicles parked near to it.

Between 00.41am and 1.03am on Sunday three further fires were reported.

A Ford Transit van, parked along Castle Road, was severely damaged and destroyed by a fire.

One crew from Portland station attended and extinguished the blaze.

An onlooker said Castle Road was closed while the incident was dealt with.

The vehicle was a white panel van which had been hired out.

The other fires were reported to a hedge in Victoria Square and to some rubbish in Coronation Road. It is believed accelerant was used in the vehicle fires.

Kayleigh Sutherland, who lives in Underhill, was woken up by her dog barking in the middle of the night to find the fire brigade putting out a fire in her front garden.

Her children, aged eight and 10, were asleep in the front bedroom facing the garden.

Miss Sutherland said: "I had some saw dust and some plastic for a kids climbing frame ready to go to the tip in the garden which was set fire to. 
"Just a couple of metres away is a wooden fence which would have gone up, so it was lucky they put it out."

Detective Sergeant Jacqui Gravenor, of Weymouth CID, said: "These incidents have all occurred within a small area of Underhill on Portland.

"We believe the incidents are connected and are appealing for any witnesses to contact police and report any information that may lead to the identification of those responsible.

"While these incidents are unusual for this area and no one specific was targeted, considerable damage was caused to numerous vehicles.

"Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be in the area to reassure local residents."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55160111062.