Bournemouth woman taken to hospital after arsonist sets fire to her home

A woman from Bournemouth was taken to hospital after someone set fire to her home.

Dorset Police are treating a blaze along Charminster Road on Saturday January 19 as malicious, believing it was a miracle no-one was hurt.

At around 9am, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service were called to a property fire at the rear of Classique Boutiques - and extinguished the blaze.

A 55-year-old local woman was rescued from her home and taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. She has since been discharged.

Detective Constable Shanena Stewart of Bournemouth and Poole CID said: "The fire is being treated as suspicious, and we have begun a full investigation into the circumstances.

"The fire caused extensive damaged to the front door and minor smoke damage to the interior of the property.

"There were no signs of forced entry and we do not suspect any offenders entered the premises, albeit it is believed this was a deliberate ignition and not accidental.

"It is extremely fortunate that nobody was injured in this incident, and could have been far worse had it not been for the quick actions of neighbours.

"I am appealing for anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area prior to the incident, or has any information regarding the offender to contact us in confidence."

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 19:121.