Police are concerned for the wellbeing for a man believed to be a rough sleeper following a major fire near Bere Regis.

Dorset Police received a report from the fire service about a barn fire in Throop at 11.30pm yesterday. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

Following enquiries, concerns were raised about a man who is often seen in the area.

He is sighted most days walking around the various local villages, including Bere Regis and Sandford. It is believed that he sleeps rough. The last confirmed sighting of this man was on Thursday 17 September 2020 about quarter of a mile away from the barn.

He is described as white, in his 40s, about five feet seven inches tall and of slim build. He has a tanned and unkempt appearance and a dark beard. He usually wears a long dark coat and carries a backpack.

Chief Inspector Steve Yeoman, of Dorset Police, said: “Unfortunately, we don’t know any more about this man.

“I am hoping that somebody has more information about him, such as his name and where he might currently be.

“We just want to make sure that he is save and well and has not come to any harm due to the fire.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to the described man’s whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 18:556.