POLICE have released CCTV images of people they would like to speak to in connection with a series of break-ins and fires at beach huts in Southbourne.

They are hoping members of the public might help identify the two men, thought to be aged in their late teens or early 20s, who could have valuable information about the crime.

Police officers and firefighters were called to a terrace of beach huts, less than half a mile from the Bistro on the Beach restaurant, just after 1.30am on December 13.

There they found three beach huts had been set alight and more than 20 other huts had been broken into.

Two of the huts were completely destroyed in the blaze, while another was badly damaged.

Since the offence, CCTV operators have been busy searching the tapes for evidence. Police officers have also been searching CCTV footage at local petrol stations and shops.

Acting Sergeant James Layfield, of the Boscombe Safer Neighbourhood unit, said: "They were down there for quite some time and were breaking into the huts for a while before they set light to them.

"We would like to hear from anyone who may know the two people in these CCTV pictures because we believe they may have important information."

The two men are thought to have been wearing jeans and white trainers. One was wearing a dark jacket and the other a light coloured fleece top or jacket.

Act Sgt Layfield added: "We would also like to remind people not to leave valuables in their beach huts at any time."

Anyone who can identify the people in the CCTV images or has any information about the incident should call DS Dudfield at Bournemouth volume crime information unit on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.