Detectives investigating a string of apparently random arson attacks on cars in and around a quiet Dorset town are questioning a man in his 40s.
The local man, who has not been named by police, was arrested on suspicion of arson, Dorset police said on Wednesday.
Police reassured residents of Wimborne Minster, who have been shocked by the attacks, that extra patrols would continue to take place and urged anyone with home CCTV, doorbell cameras or dashcams to check their footage to see if there is anything that could help.
Thirteen vehicles and two properties were destroyed or damaged on Sunday night and the early hours of Monday morning.
In the most serious attack, a car was set on fire in the passageway to a historic courtyard, almost trapping a mother and her two daughters inside a flat.
The first fire is believed to have been started in Broadstone village, on the outskirts of Poole, but the majority took place three miles north in Wimborne, famed for its minster church, model village and Thomas Hardy connections.
Dorset police said in a statement: “A full investigation was launched and following a number of enquiries a local man aged in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of arson.”
Ch Insp Andy Edwards said: “This matter has been the subject of a detailed investigation and I would like to thank everyone who responded to our appeals for information, as well as residents in the area for their patience and understanding as we conduct enquiries in the vicinity.
“We fully understand the impact of these incidents on the victims, but also within the wider communities. I want to take this opportunity to reassure residents that officers from our neighbourhood policing teams will continue to carry out enhanced patrols in the area and can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.
“Also, I would like to renew our appeal for any witnesses to any of the incidents or anyone who might have seen suspicious activity to please come forward. I urge anyone who may have home CCTV or doorbell cameras installed in those areas and anyone with dashcam to please check their footage to see if there is anything of relevance that could help us.”
On Tuesday, it emerged that Lisa Dodd, a nurse, had managed to warn Ruth Thompson and her two daughters as they slept perilously close to the passageway blaze.
The family managed to squeeze out through a gap less than half a metre wide between their door and the blazing car. “If the engine had exploded and set the door on fire there would have been no way out,” said Dodd.
More than £1,300 has been raised for the family through a crowdfunder. The friend who set it up, Dominique Drayson, said: “Luckily they escaped in time. Their car is a write-off and they can’t return to their fire-damaged flat. They are temporarily staying with friends but desperately need money for clothes, a car as well as furniture and living essentials.”
