TWO teenage girls have been arrested following a fire at a derelict house in Weymouth.
Firefighters were called to the property on Dorchester Road at around 8pm on Wednesday.
At the height of the incident there was approximately 30 firefighters, from Weymouth, Dorchester and Portland, tackling the fire.
The incident was scaled down to two fire engines and the arial ladder platform around 11pm Wednesday night and crews remain on scene at present dampening down the property.
Read more: Fire breaks out on Dorchester Road in Weymouth
Following police enquiries at the scene they have confirmed they have arrested two teenage girls, aged 14 and 15, on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
The property, located between the Rembrandt Hotel and Cranford House received planning permission in 2019 for three blocks of flats. Standing empty since the planning was approved, it is known to be used by rough sleepers.
A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 8.10pm on Wednesday 13 July 2022 relating to a property fire at an unoccupied building in Dorchester Road in Weymouth.
“Officers attended to assist the fire service. Following enquiries at the scene and liaison with the fire service, it was reported that the fire was believed to have been started deliberately.
“Two teenage girls, aged 14 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
A spokesperson for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to reports of a fire in a derelict property on Dorchester Road, Weymouth yesterday 8.06pm. At the height of the incident, we had firefighters on scene from Weymouth, Dorchester and Portland (approx 30 firefighters). Our aerial ladder platform also attended this incident.
“Firefighters used hose reels, four main lines and breathing apparatus to extinguish this fire. Crews remain on scene dampening down. The incident was scaled down to two fire engines and the aerial ladder platform at around 11pm. The stop message was received at 10.07pm. A re-inspection is due to take place shortly to check for any hotspots.
“Colleagues from Dorset Police also attended this incident and the cause of the fire is now under investigation.”
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