A CAR fire in Bournemouth was believed to have been started deliberately, police have said. 

Emergency services were called to Westbourne Close off the high street in the early hours of Sunday, July 7. 

The fire crew in Westbourne extinguished the Ford Focus that was engulfed in flames and a cordon was placed around it. 

Witnesses said they saw forensics investigators carrying out examinations. 

Officers now believe the fire was started deliberately, but no arrests have been made yet. 

Dorset Police’s spokesman said: “We received a report at 3.23am on Sunday 7 July 2024 of a vehicle fire in Westbourne Close in Bournemouth, with the fire service in attendance. 

“Officers attended and it was reported at around 3.35am that the fire had been extinguished. 

“Following liaison with the fire service, it is believed that the fire was started deliberately. 

“Enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made.” 

A spokeswoman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to Poole Road, Bournemouth at 3.13am yesterday (7 July) for a small car fire.  

“One crew from Westbourne attended and used one hose reel jet. The stop was at 4.36am and the incident was left with the police as it’s believed the fire was started deliberately.”