Arson arrest after fire at seafront events venue

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire broke out at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC).

The fire in the outside roof fascia at the performance and events venue at the seaside resort in Exeter Road broke out on Monday at about 19:30 BST.

Dorset Police said the fire was believed to be suspicious and a 38-year-old man arrested at the scene remained in police custody.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue crews from three stations put the fire out and left the scene by about 21:30. A police cordon remains in place at the venue.

The fire affected the external roof fascia of the venue with some smoke entering the building through a window

In a statement, the venue's director Steve Turner thanked emergency services for their "swift response" and said the centre was closed to the public at the time of the fire.

He added: "We will be assessing the damage to the outdoor terraced area, and any impact this will have on forthcoming event arrangements – although early indications suggest that this will be minimal and the venue will largely be operating as usual."

No injuries were reported.

Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the fire.

Smoke and flames could be seen on the seafront side of the BIC building

Images on social media showed smoke and flames coming from the seafront-facing side of the building.

The BIC opening in 1984 and is Bournemouth's main entertainment complex, regularly hosting large-scale events including concerts and the main political party conferences.

The venue has no events listed over the coming weeks.