Bournemouth beach huts fire: Teenage boy arrested

Three beach huts were totally destroyed by fire at Mudeford Sandbank

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after three of the UK's most expensive beach huts were destroyed by fire and 31 others broken into.

The fire at Mudeford Sandbank, near Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, was spotted around 03:00 GMT on Saturday.

Nobody was inside the huts or injured in the incident, Dorset Police said.

The boy was arrested on suspicion of arson and burglary, the force added. Beach huts in the area have previously sold for £275,000.

The BBC spoke to owners who came to the beach to survey the damage to the huts.

Glen Tizzard said the door of his hut had been pulled off

Glen Tizzard said his hut was broken into and the door pulled off.

Dr Joan Robinson Harris, whose hut was left unharmed, described it as a "scene of devastation".

She said: "Normally it's a beautiful place where people holiday with their families.

"It's absolutely devastating and it's most unpleasant."

A police cordon is currently in place. Detectives are appealing for witnesses and CCTV footage, but the force did not know whether anything had been stolen.

Det Insp Andrew Kennard said: "There has been considerable damage caused to a large number of beach huts and I would like to reassure the community that we are carrying out detailed enquiries into the incident.

"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and either witnessed what happened or saw any suspicious activity to please get in touch."

Police are working with BCP Council to identify the owners of the huts.

A police cordon remains in place around the huts