A fire that completely destroyed a car near Weymouth is believed to have been the result of arson.

The car caught fire at around 6pm on yesterday evening at Old Malthouse near Nottington.

Two crews from Weymouth were deployed to the scene to extinguish the blaze. Police also attended to assist with road closures.

Police believe the fire had been started deliberately and are investigating.

The fire service said that although the vehicle was destroyed, nobody was injured.

A spokesperson for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said: "Our crew from Weymouth responded to reports of a car on fire.

"When the first crew arrived on the scene, they requested another appliance to be mobilised to support by providing more water.

"Once the second crew from Weymouth had arrived, they made quick work of extinguishing the fire using two hose reel jets and one breathing apparatus.

"Although unfortunately the vehicle was completely destroyed by fire, thankfully no one was injured."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 6.17pm on Monday from the fire service requesting assistance with a vehicle on fire in Nottington Lane in Weymouth. Officers attended and assisted with road closures.

"There were no reports of any injuries. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately. No arrests made"