A FIRE at an empty bungalow in Poole is being treated as arson.

Smoke was seen billowing from the boarded up house on Herbert Avenue, Rossmore, this morning (January 15) at around 9am.

Fire crews from Westbourne and Poole attended the blaze in the loft of the building, which damaged the loft space, hall, rear bedroom and front room.

Traffic diversions were put in place on Sark Road from 9.20am to until around 9.45am.

A police spokesman said the fire was being treated as deliberate. The property was thought to be derelict and unsecured.

They are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Dorset Police on 01202 222 222.