AN area of Ham Common near the beach at Hamworthy, Poole has caught fire.

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Around 43 firefighters are currently tackling the blaze.

Seven fire engines, three Land Rovers and one unimog off road vehicle are in attendance.

The command support vehicle and another fire unit has just turned up.

A Dorset Fire and Rescue spokesperson has confirmed that the fire has spread in the last hour.

The fire appears to be heading in the direction of Rockley Park.

Police have evacuated members of public from the beach and the police helicopter has been seen overhead.

Police cars are blocking the paths to the beach.

Sarah Ransom, of Symes Road, Hamworthy, said: "I can see lots of smoke drifting around. There's a helicopter at the scene and lots of lots of sirens. It's really dramatic."

She added: "It looks quite bad from here."

Dorset Fire and rescue received around 30 calls from members of the public just before 4pm this afternoon.

Around 30 fire fighters tackled a fire in Hamworthy last week.

At its height, an area of land approximately 30 metres by 80 metres was ablaze.