DETECTIVES are appealing for information after hedges and gorseland was set alight in Tadley Common on Monday night.

Police officers were called to Tadley Common, in Common Road shortly after 6.50pm on Monday after being notified of the fires by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A water carrier, two fire engines and three fire service Land Rovers from Basingstoke, Tadley and Hartley Wintney fire stations attended the scene, and spent three hours getting the fires under control.

Around one hectare of land has been destroyed at the site but no-one was injured by the fires.

It is believed the fires were started deliberately and detectives are now looking to speak to two men in connection with the incident.

The first man was described as white, aged in his 20s, has a thin face and was wearing casual clothes.

The second man was described as white, aged in his 20s and was wearing a tracksuit. It is believed he may also have had a backpack on.

Detective Constable Carolyn Davies said: “These fires having been started intentionally and could have caused serious consequences if fire crews had not attended as quickly as possible.

“The fires caused significant damage to nature and animals and could have caused injuries to members of the public using the common at the time.

“Arson is a very serious offence I am hoping that someone might have information as to who was responsible for starting these fires and will contact me.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Con Davies on 101, quoting 44150141808, or call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.