POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an arson at a boatyard in Weymouth which left a yacht destroyed and damaged others nearby.

Last week, the Echo reported that there had been a fire at Ferrybridge Marine causing an estimated £170,000 in damages, and that it was being treated as suspicious.

According to police, a yacht was set alight sometime between 7pm and 7.15pm on Thursday, November 16 and spread to four boats.

Dorset Police say the fire is believed to have been started deliberately and are encouraging anyone who witnessed the event to contact them.

Police Constable Matthew Love, of Weymouth police, said: “As part of this investigation we have been carrying out local enquiries, including a trawl of CCTV, in a bid to trace the person or people responsible.

“We believe the offender or offenders gained access to the yard over a perimeter fence and we believe they may have been seen leaving the scene via Portland Beach Road. I would ask anyone who was in the area at the relevant time and who saw someone acting suspiciously to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would also like to hear from any motorists who were travelling in the area with dashcams and believe they may have footage which could assist my investigation.”

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 55170179013.