Lulworth cottage fire – renewed appeal – man arrested

Police are renewing their appeal for witnesses and information from the public after a cottage in a picturesque seaside village was badly damaged by fire – with one man being arrested.

Sometime before 1am on Tuesday, 15 September 2009 a fire started near the wall of a cottage on West Road in West Lulworth, the fire spread up the wall to the tiled roof of the unoccupied cottage causing considerable damage.

Dorset Fire & Rescue fire fighters tackled the blaze which started near gas bottles and they took steps to ensure that the fire didn’t spread to nearby thatched cottages, although trees and shrubs near the seat of the fire were engulfed in the blaze.

On Wednesday morning, 16 September 2009, a 17-year-old man from Wareham was arrested in connection with the incident. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Constable Neil Gilbraith, of Weymouth CID, said: “Despite the arrest, I am continuing to appeal for the public’s help to determine exactly what happened.

“It is a very small community and someone must know something.

“I would particular like to hear from anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in or near the cottage in West Street sometime after 1230am on the Tuesday morning.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who has any other information about the fire or about a reason why someone may have started the fire.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.