Huge wildfire sweeps across Canford Heath nature reserve in Dorset

Police appeal for witnesses as fire crews describe blaze as the largest in the area for years

Families have been evacuated from their homes after a wildfire swept across heathland in Dorset, destroying about 17 hectares (42 acres) of wildlife-rich habitat.

Canford Heath in Poole is a 340-hectare nature reserve and site of special scientific interest that is home to rare species including smooth snakes, sand lizards and Dartford warblers, as well as adders, dragonflies and nightjars.