Firefighters tackled a large area of blazing trees and undergrowth yesterday after arsonists targeted Wareham Forest.

A fire engine from Wareham, a Land Rover and a specialist off-road vehicle attended the incident, which occurred near Wareham Golf Club at around 11.47am.

A Dorset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the cause of the blaze is ‘believed to be malicious’ and firefighters remained on the scene until just before 1pm.

Crews liaised with the Forestry Commission and Urban Heathland Partnership staff as the fire involved a large area of trees and deep-seated peat.

The spokesman said firefighters returned to check the area at 7pm.