POLICE in west Dorset were called to reports of young people lighting a fire with aerosol cans.

The incident occurred on the fields just off Clay Lane in Beaminster with the youths making off quickly after a can that had been chucked on the fire exploded.

A spokesperson for Bridport Police said: “On Thursday evening, around 7.45pm, two young males were seen in the fields behind the factory in Clay Lane, Beaminster lighting a fire with aerosol cans.

“They made off quickly after one of the cans exploded.

“This has the potential to become very dangerous, resulting in injury or damage from the fire spreading, especially with the nice weather we are having.”

The police urged people enjoying the warm weather to be considerate of others.