A fire at council offices in Weymouth is believed to have been started intentionally, say police.

At 5.20am on Monday, August 15, the fire service attended a fire at the Dorset Council offices in Jubilee Retail Park.

A preliminary investigation suggests that the fire was started intentionally at the main entrance of the offices.

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Bryce Scott-Jones, of Weymouth police, said: “We believe this fire was started between 4am and 5.15am.

“It could have had significant consequences had the building been occupied – thankfully it was empty at the time.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in or around the retail park at the relevant time and may have witnessed someone acting suspiciously near the council offices to come forward.

“Also, if anyone has any information about those responsible, please contact us as soon as possible.”

A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to offices on Jubilee Road, Weymouth at 5.20am yesterday (15 August) morning. Two crews from Weymouth attended the incident which involved a fire which had started outside of the property, causing smoke damage inside. 

"Two breathing apparatus wearers used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire. Our stop came at 6.28am. The police were requested as it was believed to have been started deliberately."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220132358. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.