Police launch investigation into blaze which wrecked empty house

POLICE have launched a probe into a fire which ripped through a derelict building in Burton during the early hours.

Around 30 firefighters responded as flames engulfed the two-storey detached residential property in Salisbury Road around 1.40am on Tuesday.

It took crews from Christchurch, Wimborne and Verwood three hours to bring the Burton fire under control.

Some personnel remained at the scene throughout the day until 8.30pm damping down the area.

Due to the derelict nature of the building, a Dorset Police spokesperson said it was not entirely clear how much damage had actually been caused by the blaze.

The cause was also not known but the force, together with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has been continuing investigations.

People are being urged to come forward if they may be able to help piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information about the Burton fire should contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident reference number 8:31.