Firefighters battle blaze at derelict building

Residents were warned to stay clear of the area around Jefferson Avenue

About 40 firefighters battled a blaze at a derelict building in Dorset.

Residents were warned to stay clear of the area around Jefferson Avenue in Hamworthy, Poole, after black plumes of smoke began billowing from the site.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene at 18:14 BST and it took crews about three hours to extinguish the flames.

The fire is believed to have taken hold in an old sawmill, with an asbestos roof. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

The fire is believed to have taken hold in an old sawmill, with an asbestos roof

An aerial platform was used to spray water onto the blaze

Seven fire appliances, an aerial platform, and multiple fire officers were on the scene at the height of the blaze.

The fire service said there was a "heavy smoke plume", and advised people nearby to keep doors and windows closed.

At about 20:30 a spokeswoman said firefighters were being sent inside the building "to deal with any remaining seats of fire".

An hour later the service said the fire was out and crews were preparing to leave the scene.

Black plumes of smoke were seen billowing into the sky

"An investigation into the cause of the fire will take place in due course," the spokeswoman said.

Crews attended from stations in Poole, Hamworthy, Westbourne, Redhill Park, Wimborne, and Westbourne.

Bus services were diverted during the operation and a road closure was in place.