UP to 12 people had to flee their homes after a suspected arson in Boscombe in the early hours of Friday May 6.

Firefighters were called to the Oxfam store on Christchurch Road at 12.40am and found a fire which had started in a bin at the rear had spread to the back of the shop and the flats above.

A number of residents had escaped unharmed when fire crews arrived.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 01202 222222.