A council has slammed yobs after a shocking attack in which a tent was urinated on and then set on fire while people were inside it.

As reported, police have launched an investigation into the incident in Lyme Regis.

One person was injured in the incident which could have been disastrous if people had been trapped inside.

Fortunately, police said the two people inside managed to escape the burning tent.

It happened while the tent was set up overnight on Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis. It is understood there was a small gathering on the beach at the time.

The town council says campfires and parties on Monmouth Beach are becoming more frequent, with a rise in reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The incident comes as new orders to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area including Lyme Regis have been approved.

Lyme Regis Town Clerk John Wright said: “This is a despicable act and the council is appalled to hear of such mindless actions. Fortunately there were no serious injuries but it could have been so much worse.

“Campfires and parties on Monmouth Beach are becoming more frequent, particularly since the pandemic when people were only allowed to gather outdoors, and we are increasingly receiving reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

“Camping in a public space comes with risks, as this incident demonstrates.”

Dorset Police received a report of the incident, which occurred between 9pm on Monday, May 9 and 3am on Tuesday, May 10.

It was reported that someone urinated on the tent, before setting it on fire.

Two people were inside the tent at the time and one of them sustained an injury to their hand.

PC Kirsti Frecknall, of Lyme Regis Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Thankfully the victims were able to escape from the tent before they sustained serious injuries.

"I have been carrying out enquiries into this incident and it is believed that there was a small gathering taking place around a campfire at the time of the incident.

"I would urge anyone who was at this gathering and witnessed what happened, or anyone who may have information about who was responsible, to please come forward."

Anyone with information about the fire at Lyme Regis is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220074020. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.