TWO grass fires on Portland are believed to have been started deliberately by arsonists.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service were called to two fires yesterday afternoon on Clovens Road and Grove Road.

Arsonists struck at 2.44pm at Clovens Road, and the second happened shortly after at 4.31pm on Grove Road.

Firefighters from Portland attended both incidents and used hose reel jets to tackle the blazes, with a small area of shrubbery affected on Clovens Road and a 25-square-metre area of grass embankment on Grove Road.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service has said they believe the fires were both started "maliciously" and anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact the service.