THREE boats were destroyed in a fire at a Dawlish beach that is believed to have been started deliberately.

Fire crews from Teignmouth and Dawlish were called into action in the early hours of this morning, Friday, March 20, after a call was received reporting a fire near the toilets at Boat Cove.

When firefighters arrived, they were met with three boats that were well alight.

The crews got to work tackling the fire using both their 45mm and 70mm hoses, quickly preventing the fire spreading.

Unfortunately, three boats were severely damaged by fire, with a fourth boat also sustaining damage, albeit not as severe.

A spokesman for Dawlish fire station said: ‘The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate and the police were also informed’.