Two men charged with arson and theft after Bournemouth fire
Swift police response leads to arrests in Southbourne Grove
Dorset Police received a report of the fire, involving a pile of newspapers, at approximately 1 am on Friday, 12th June 2026.
Investigations revealed that the newspapers had been stolen from a nearby store.
Officers quickly attended the scene, locating and detaining two suspects nearby.
The two Bournemouth residents, aged 39 and 46, were arrested and charged with the offences and are scheduled to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on 6th July 2026.
Detective Inspector Leo Glendon of BCP CID commended the swift police response, stating:
“Officers responded quickly to this incident and their actions resulted in two suspects being arrested and charged in connection with this matter."
He also expressed gratitude to two electricity company workers who assisted in extinguishing the fire, preventing further damage.
The investigation is ongoing, and police encourage anyone with information or relevant footage of the incident to come forward.
Witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are urged to contact Dorset Police.