A car and approximately one hectare of woodland has been destroyed in what fire officers believe to be arson. 

The car fire started around 7pm yesterday. 

Emergency services received multiple reports of a vehicle fire on Hardown Hill near Morcombelake in west Dorset. 

Firefighters from Charmouth were sent to the scene but on arrival they found the fire had spread to approximately one hectare of woodland and scrubland. 

Due to the location of the fire it was difficult to access and further support was requested.

Firefighters from Bridport, Charmouth, Beaminster, Maiden Newton, Weymouth, Wareham, Swanage, Bere Regis, Blandford, Hamworthy, Wimborne, Ferndown, Verwood, Ludgershall and Chard all attended the fire. 

Heavy offroad vehicles, light off road vehicles and Landrovers were all requested and together with firefighters using beaters the fire was gradually surrounded.

Crews remained at the scene most of the night damping down the area.

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said the cause was believed to be arson.

Dorset Police was called just at 7.58pm, but were not required to attend.

Just after 10.20am this morning, a spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that three Landrovers from Verwood, Beaminster and Redhill Park were still on the scene, damping down multiple hotspots using three hose jets.