Stately home gutted by suspicious fire

Police cordons surround the gates of Parnham House in Dorset following a huge fire which has destroyed part of the property.

The fire that gutted the Grade I listed stately home is being treated as 'suspicious' and police have issued an appeal calling for witnesses to come forward.

Police were called by at around 4am on Saturday 15 April, to reports of a large fire at historic Parnham House in Beaminster.

Officers attended to assist the fire service while they tackled the extensive blaze.

The house suffered a significant amount of damage.

At this stage it is not believed anyone was inside the property at the time of the fire.

Police say a full search will be carried out once it is safe to do so. Officers say the property is likely to be cordoned off for some time to allow investigators to examine the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 15:69.