A fire at a Grade II-listed church was deliberate, it is believed.

As reported, emergency services were called to St Peter's Church on Portland on Monday evening.

Two fire engines were sent to the scene, on Grove Road, at around 5.20pm and smoke was seen billowing from the basement of the building when they arrived.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area while firefighters tackled the blaze.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has since confirmed the blaze was 'most likely' started through deliberate ignition.

Police have said a local youth is assisting them with enquiries around how the fire began.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: "We would like to remind the community; how dangerous lighting fires can be.

"They can spread quickly, sometimes unintentionally, so we would always advise to avoid setting a fire in an enclosed space."

News of the fire has been met with  sadness by residents who describe the church, which is no longer in use, as 'beautiful' and 'loved by the community'.