Travellers are shocked and scared following a suspected arson attack at their site - with one claiming the community has been let down by the police's response.
Residents of the Dorset Council-approved travellers site in Piddlehinton said a van was rammed into the gates.
They said petrol was then poured onto the ground near parked cars and an attempt was made to ignite the fluid with a cigarette, though it was unsuccessful.
The suspect was subsequently involved in a crash away from the site before reportedly being seriously assaulted and taken to hospital.
The Piddlehinton Park site is an official Dorset Council Gypsy and Traveller Site and is home to a number of travellers including young families and elderly residents.
A member of the community at the site, Shane Fields, claims police made no effort to reassure residents following the attack.
He claims a number of attempts were made to ignite the petrol which could have had devastating consequences.
Mr Fields said the gate to the site was fixed the following day and residents themselves were left to clear up the fuel and other damage.
He said: "Most of us were in bed and the next thing we know there was a loud noise.
"It took police over 20 minutes to arrive, and in the meantime, there had been a crash (involving the suspect's vehicle).
"Police have taken no statements from any of us, and no crime scene photos were taken. They even left the cigarette butt in a puddle of petrol."
Mr Fields added: "They gave residents no explanation as to what had occurred or if children and the elderly were safe. We are used to a bit of not being treated the same but this is beyond that.
"We feel we have been severely let down by Dorset Police and the council gypsy liaison service as we have received no support or reassurance.
"Police have shown a complete lack of effort or compassion for the women and children who were left awake most of the night scared that somebody (an attacker) was coming back.
"We are a quiet site, and strive to live in peace the same as most human beings."
Read more: Consent for Dorset gypsy and traveller transit site renewed
A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "At 8.53pm on Monday, November 11, we received a report of a suspicious incident in which a white van collided with the locked gate to an address in Piddlehinton near Dorchester.
"It was reported that the occupant of the vehicle got out and started a fire before returning to his vehicle and driving away from the scene.
"It was further reported that the driver of the white van subsequently collided with another vehicle and was assaulted at the scene of the collision.
"Following enquiries, a 51-year-old man from the Dorchester area was arrested on suspicion of arson, criminal damage and driving offences.
"He was taken to hospital for treatment to a serious injury where he remains at this time."
The force did not offer a comment on Mr Fields' criticism of the police response.
A Dorset Council spokesperson said: "We are assisting Dorset Police in their investigation. We are unable to make any further comment at this time."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article