OFFICERS are investigating after an early morning car fire erupted in Westbourne.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze at around 2am before the police were called to investigate.

A resident recalled seeing large clouds of smoke, they said: "The smoke and smell was so toxic and flames were huge it was crackling and banging."

A spokesperson for DWFRS said: “We were called to an incident on Princess Road at 1.39am this morning with reports of a vehicle on fire.

“A crew from Westbourne attended and one breathing apparatus wearer used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

“The vehicle was isolated, and the police were informed.

“Our stop was at 2.06am.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 1.44am from the fire service reporting that it was in attendance at a vehicle fire in Princess Road in Branksome.

"There was no requirement for immediate police attendance.

“It was subsequently reported that the fire was believed to have been started deliberately.

“Enquiries into the matter are ongoing.

“No arrests have been made.”