Staffordshire grass fires: 70 deliberate blazes set

Firefighters in Staffordshire say they have been called to more than 70 "deliberate" grass fires in the last week.

Mick Warrilow from Hanley Fire Station said the fires, while often small, "drained resources".

He added the service had often seen a rise in arson attacks during the Easter school holidays.

Despite recent snow, he said strong winds meant fires could spread and quickly become dangerous.

"A slight gust of wind and it can spread, it can turn direction and even turn back on whoever is starting it," he said.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue appealed for anyone with information on the arson attacks to come forward.