A string of fires on one heathland are thought to have been started deliberately.

Police are investigating 13 incidents on Dartford Heath which broke out during August’s heatwave.

Police community safety unit inspector, Trevor Jenner, said: “While the recent heatwave caused some natural fires on the heath, our colleagues at the Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) have advised us that several were started suspiciously.

“It is important to remind people that starting fires not only poses a real risk to those living, working and visiting the area, but it also causes irreparable damage to the environment and wildlife.

“This behaviour is irresponsible and diverts important resources away from responding to other incidents.

“We are continuing our inquiries surrounding these fires. I want to remind anyone who sees any individuals or groups of people behaving suspiciously to report their concerns to Kent Police via our website or 101.

“If there is an immediate threat to life then always call 999.”

Both the police and KFRS responded to the incidents that happened across the last month.

One of the fires destroyed 25 acres of heathland, while prior to that, crews were on the heath fighting another blaze and traffic had to be being held on the A2 due to a fire there.

Just days before that multiple fire engines were called to the heath and crews used hose reel jets to extinguish a fire that had spread to around 400 square metres of grassland.

The week before that another blaze engulfed a 100×100 metre plot, with seven fire engines and a number of support vehicles, including multi-terrain vehicles, called.

Anyone with information should call 01474 366149, quoting reference 46/161467/22.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.

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