Police have responded to a claim they 'let down' people who were left shocked and scared following a suspected arson attack at a travellers' site.
As reported, residents of the Dorset Council-approved site in Piddlehinton said a van was rammed into the gates.
They said petrol was 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.
Read more: Travellers hit out at police response after they're left terrified by 'arson attack'
Following the incident, a 51-year-old man from the Dorchester area was arrested on suspicion of arson, criminal damage and driving offences.
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 there, Shane Fields, claimed police made no effort to reassure residents, took no statements or crime scene photos and even left the cigarette butt in a puddle of petrol.
He said: "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."
Dorset Police did not comment previously in response to the claims but has now issued a statement.
A spokesperson said: "We take reports of threatening and malicious behaviour towards all members of our communities very seriously.
"In the case of this specific incident, officers responded quickly and robustly to the initial report and a man was detained and arrested. Furthermore, officers remained at the location for over 30 minutes where witnesses were invited to provide statements, photographs of the scene were taken for evidential purposes and items were seized for forensic analysis.
"It is believed that the arrested man and the individuals involved are known to one another and we are continuing to conduct enquiries into the full circumstances of this incident.
"We are liaising with the victims through a specialist liaison officer who will keep them updated with the progress of the investigation."
The spokesperson added: "We would urge all members of our diverse communities throughout Dorset to continue to report incidents to us so we can continue to take fair and appropriate action."
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