Heatwave blaze near Dorset beach tackled by 90 firefighters 'started by disposable barbecue'

A blaze that ravaged through heathland in Dorset during the UK's heatwave was most likely started by a disposable barbecue, firefighters said.

The huge fire at Studland on Friday ripped through the popular nature reserve and forced the beach there to be evacuated.

About 90 firefighters tackled the blaze and 10 engines were deployed from neighbouring areas.

They worked through the night into Saturday to get the fire, which was reported at 1pm, under control.

On Saturday, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said the most likely cause of the fire was a disposable barbecue.

"We found evidence of a little camp where someone had used a disposable barbecue," said a spokeswoman for the fire service.