A SERIES of fires in an empty building in Christchurch town centre were believed to have been started deliberately.

Crews rushed to the former police station and magistrates' court site in Bargates on Sunday evening.

Fire engines packed the road that runs from Bargates to the car park, with smoke visible from one of the buildings, which have sat vacant for several years.

The first call came in at 7.16pm, with a crew from Christchurch arriving minutes later. More appliances were then requested as the building was "well alight".

Firefighters tackled several areas of fire in the ground floor of the building and conducted a search due to concerns about rough sleepers.

A Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) spokesperson said:"We received a call at 7.16pm on Friday evening about a fire at a vacant premises in Bargates, Christchurch.

"Crews from Christchurch (two), Springbourne, Redhill Park, New Milton (two) and Westbourne attended with a support unit from Hamworthy.

"On arrival, firefighters found multiple seats of fire on the ground floor, which are believed to have been set deliberately.

"All persons were accounted by 8.26pm after a thorough search of the building was carried out due to a concern for rough sleepers.

"The fire was extinguished by eight breathing apparatus wearers using two hose reel jets and the stop came at 8.30pm."

Dorset Police was called to provide assistance to the fire service operation.

A force spokesperson said: "Officers attended and assisted as the fire service tackled the blaze. The cause of the fire is not being treated as suspicious."

The site is earmarked for a major redevelopment with firm Aster Homes bringing forward plans for 130 homes, 39 sheltered retirement accommodation units and “flexible” commercial and community space.

A planning application from the developer was approved by BCP Council's planning committee earlier this year, however work is yet to begin on clearing the existing buildings on the site.