Two arson arrests over town centre flat fire

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire at a town centre flat.

Firefighters from four stations were called to the second-floor property above a shop on Beale Place, off Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth, at about 21:00 GMT on Tuesday.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said 10 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using an aerial ladder platform put out the bedroom fire shortly before 23:00. Residents living in neighbouring flats had been led to safety.

Dorset Police said two men arrested, both aged 21 and from Poole, remain in custody.

The fire service said a joint investigation into the cause of the fire would be launched with Dorset Police.