Coastal wildfire believed to be set deliberately

Fire crews who tackled a coastal wildfire believe it was started deliberately.

Crews in fire engines along with off-road vehicles and water carriers were called to the fire near near Stokes Bay off Crescent Road in Gosport, Hampshire, at about 13:30 BST on Tuesday.

With thick smoke from the fire, involving gorse, trees and grassland, nearby roads were closed and residents were advised to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed.

Fort Road at its junctions with Anglesea Road, Monckton Road and Gilkicker Road was closed by police while firefighters tackled the blaze.

The fire service said police had been notified "as it is believed this fire was set deliberately".

It added crews managed to surround the fire and after about six hours one crew was left to check for hotspots.