Second teen arrested after beach huts set on fire at Hengistbury Head

Detectives investigating reports of arson and burglaries at beach huts in Southbourne have made an arrest.Dorset Police were called by the fire service at 2.40am yesterday (06/02) to a report that three beach huts were on fire at Mudeford sandbank near Hengistbury Head. 

Officers attended and established that a further 31 beach huts had allegedly been broken into or damaged. Enquiries are underway to establish whether anything was reportedly stolen. There was nobody inside any of the beach huts and no one was injured during the incident.A full investigation is underway and a cordon remains in place to allow for a thorough examination of the scene to take place. 

A19-year-old man from Christchurch has been arrested on suspicion of arson and burglary. He is currently assisting detectives with their enquiries.A 15-year-old Bournemouth boy who was previously arrested on suspicion of arson and burglary has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Andrew Kennard, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We are continuing to carry out detailed enquiries into this incident and I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and witnessed what happened to please get in touch."