Appeal over heath and gorse fires in Cornwall

Cornwall has seen an "unprecedented number" of gorse and heath fires in the last three months, according to Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.

Between 1 January and 15 March there have been 44 reported gorse and heath fires in the county.

The fire and rescue service said up to half of them were believed to have been started deliberately.

The service is urging the public to report suspected arsonists to the police.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service's Sacha Wheatman said: "Arson puts both the public and firefighters at unnecessary risk.

"It ties up resources that could be in demand for other more serious incidents," he said.