Firefighters worked quickly to surround two separate seats of fire which were a quarter of a mile apart in south Essex yesterday.

Eight crews were called at 2.14pm and dealt with the blaze on land off North View Avenue, Tilbury by 3.44pm.

Multiple crews from Orsett, Corringham, Basildon, Grays, Wickford, Billericay and Hawkwell attended the fire.

The cause of the fire is thought to be deliberate.

Crews remained on scene until just after 5.30pm.

An Essex Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "We see an increase in deliberate fires during the summer months.

"Help us to prevent them by getting in touch with FireStoppers.

"Managed by Crimestoppers, Firestoppers is an anonymous way to report what you know about deliberate fire setting in your area.

"It’s not for reporting any blame, it’s for us to prevent the fires from happening."

Call Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558 or make a report online at crimestoppers-uk.org.