Blaze after asylum protest

Investigators say the fire looks deliberate

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack at the site of a proposed centre for asylum seekers in Dorset.

The fire broke out at former Naval accommodation on Portland, on Monday night.

It started after a public meeting was held by campaigners protesting against plans to use the building to house refugees.

Investigators say it appears the fire had been started deliberately in a former bar area on the ground floor of the seven-storey building.

Ten fire engines were called out to the blaze although damage was limited to one floor.

The meeting itself was held after hundreds of people demonstrated against the centre proposals.

Under Home Office plans, the Hardy accommodation blocks, which used to be part of the former Naval base HMS Osprey, would become home to up to 750 asylum seekers.