A CASH reward has been put up by Crimestoppers in a bid to close the net on those responsible for last week’s devastating Upton Heath arson attack.

The fire decimated around 200-acres of protected heathland, injured firefighters and members of the public, threatened nearby homes in Corfe Mullen, Poole, and killed thousands of animals and plants.

Police are anxious to identify two young men seen leaving the area.

Detective Inspector Jim Beashel said: “I hope this cash reward will encourage members of the public to call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.”

One of the men was wearing a grey T-shirt and blue jeans, the other had a long blue sweatshirt and dark blue trousers.

The amount of reward on offer is currently undisclosed.

The cost of fighting the heath blaze has breached £50,000 and is likely to rise “significantly” in the coming weeks, fire chiefs have revealed.

The inferno is now confirmed as the worst Dorset heathland fire in 35 years.

Council taxpayers will meet a large proportion of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service’s £50,000 costs.

This figure includes the county’s entire retained and whole-time firefighter pay for the operation, fuel costs and an estimated £10,000 for damage to equipment.

Around 200 firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.

Financial costs to wildlife conservation groups, including Dorset Wildlife Trust and their volunteers, have not been factored into the £50,000 total.

Nor have costs incurred by the three neighbouring county fire and rescue services, who mobilised resources to either fight the fire or provide cover for Dorset crews.

Once these and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service firefighter overtime pay, additional officer pay and on-scene catering costs are added in the coming weeks, the final total will rise much higher.