ARSONISTS started fires at two beauty spots in east Dorset.

A Dorset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said firefighters were called to Avon Heath Country park about a blaze put out by staff there at lunchtime and firefighters have dealt with a fire at Watchmoor Wood just before 4pm.

A fire service spokesman said they had three calls from members of the public about the later fire, described as a suspected malicious fire at Baker’s Hanging near Verwood, 100 yards from a road.

She said a crew from Ferndown extinguished that fire using hose reel jets.

The Forestry Commission was called and police are being informed, she said.