AROUND 30 fire fighters tackled a ferocious blaze in Hamworthy this evening.

Four crews from Wareham, Hamworthy, Poole and Wimborne, as well as four Land Rovers often used for heath fires, were called to Ham Common.

At its height, an area of land approximately 30 metres by 80 metres was ablaze.

Three hose reel jets and a main line were used by fire crews, who were called to the scene at 4.58pm.

The stop message was received at 6.22pm, but crews stayed for a further hour to continue damping down the patch of land.

A Dorset Fire and Rescue spokesperson said the police are investigating the fire, although a cause has not yet been identified.