A tent was badly damaged in a suspected "deliberate" fire on Weymouth beach.

The tent was pitched on an area of the beach between the Oasis Café and the Fantasy Island Fun Park at Bowleaze Cove.

During the evening, the fire service responded to a call from a member of the public that a tent had been set on fire.

Damage was caused to the tent as well as the victim’s belongings inside.

Police and fire services were called to the suspected arson.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Bryce Scott-Jones, of Weymouth and Portland police, said: “Thankfully, nobody was injured during this incident.

"However, this has caused a great deal of distress for the victim. We have now been able to obtain a full account from them and I am in a position to appeal for information.

“I am appealing to anyone who visited the area of Bowleaze Cove at this time, perhaps to walk their dog or to swim in the sea, and who saw or heard any suspicious activity to please come forward.”

The report was made at around 5pm on Friday, November 17, but Police have only now released the information to the public.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230182275.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.