A series of fires in Bridport in the early hours which the police are treating as arson have been condemned as “mindless behaviour”.

Mayor Ian Bark said the behaviour was “dangerous” after Dorset Police said they believed the bin fires had been started deliberately.

Firefighters said if the blazes - two of which were near to town centre properties - hadn't been spotted quickly they could have flared up and caused "major damage to property and a risk to life".

As reported, Bridport Fire Station crews responded to three bin fires in the early hours of last Friday.

Crews from the station were first called to a fire on West Street at 2.05am with a second bin fire discovered outside Bridport Post Office on West Street at 2.25am followed by a third incident next to a car on St Swithin's Road.

Police officers have been liaising with the fire service and the cause of the fires is believed to be suspicious.

Cllr Ian Bark said “It's very disappointing to hear of this mindless behaviour - it's potentially dangerous, and the cost of putting it right falls on local taxpayers.

“I'm pleased to hear that the police are investigating and urge anyone with information to contact the police."

He added: “Bridport is a wonderful place to live, so let's make sure the small minority involved in this type of behaviour are caught and made to understand the impact."

Dorset Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Police Constable Kirsti Frecknall, of West Dorset Police, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into these fires, which we believe were caused deliberately, and I would urge anyone with information that might assist our investigation to please come forward.

“I would like to hear from any witnesses or anyone who may have captured anything relevant on dashcam or home CCTV".

At the time a spokesperson for Bridport Fire Station said: "Thankfully there was no damage to any properties other than the bins.

"Had these fires not been spotted and dealt with quickly it could have escalated further resulting in significant fires causing major damage to property and risk to life."

The fire station dealt with a fourth bin fire around 9am on Friday but this was not thought to be suspicious. At the time, the fire service reminded the public to "ensure cigarettes are extinguished fully before disposal”.

Anyone with information 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 55220100798. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.