A man has been charged in connection with a fire that is alleged to have been started deliberately in Dorchester.

Dorset Police was called shortly after 4am on Monday, June 29, to a report of a fire at a block of flats on Bitter End.

The surrounding roads were closed to allow emergency services to deal with the incident and reopened at around 7.30am.

The building was also evacuated as a precaution. There were no reports of any injuries.

A 27-year-old Dorchester man has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

He appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and is next due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday, August 13.

A 42-year-old man from Dorchester previously arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life remains on police bail pending further enquiries.