SIX beach huts have been torched in a suspected arson attack in a Poole park.

The beach huts in Hamworthy Park went up in flames on Saturday morning while four were completely destroyed leaving nothing but charred remains.

One resident of nearby Lulworth Avenue reported hearing a loud explosion and a car speed off shortly before fire engines arrived at around 12.45am.

Police have now launched an investigation into the “suspicious” circumstances surrounding the blaze.

Speaking of the destruction on social media one beach hut owner described how her family now have broken hearts.

She added that her daughters are “devastated” their hut has been burned to the ground

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service rushed to the scene.

A spokesperson for the service said: “We were called to Hamworthy Park car park at 12.43am.

“Two crews from Poole attended and found six beach huts on fire. Four were destroyed and two were badly damaged.”

A fundraising page has since been set up to raise money to rebuild the beach huts.

At the time of writing, £1,680 had been raised by 84 donors, with a target of £1,000 originally set.

Meanwhile kind words have flooded in with one donor commenting: “We really feel for you all who have lost or damaged huts.

“If anyone would like to borrow ours while yours are being sorted drop us a message to let us know.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police added: “The police were called at 1.25am on February 15 with reports that a number of beach huts had been damaged in Hamworthy Park.

“It was reported that four huts were completely destroyed and two further huts sustained significant damaged.

“The cause is believed to be suspicious. Officers have attended the scene to carry out inquiries and an investigation is ongoing.”