Dog walkers have been warned to 'remain vigilant' after Wellington fire crews were called to Fox's Field twice in one day to battle arson attacks.

Fires were deliberately set to parts of the forest garden, prompting passers-by to rush to the scene with water canisters before the fire brigade arrived.

The fires were set on Wednesday, June 14. The fire brigade first attended to a small grass fire behind the old Fox's factory at around 4.45pm, and were again called out an hour later when they extinguished a second blaze across an area of dry grassland. A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said the fire was started deliberately.

Many of the damaged bushes and trees were planted by local ecology group Transition Town Wellington. In a statement posted to social media they appealed to picnickers and dog walkers to "be extra vigilant, just like a neighbourhood watch."

They said: "Allegedly, some teenagers have set fire to part of the forest garden on Fox's Field. Thank you so much to the dog walkers that happened to be on the scene for their quick action of going to the river with water canisters and putting it out, and calling the fire brigade.

"At the same time a fire in Fox's factory was alight which needed fire engines and a police helicopter. With arsonists on the loose who may do it again it's worrying to say the least as fire could not only destroy all the hard work and expense of creating the forest garden but if it got out of hand could also endanger lives.

"Either having a picnic or being extra vigilant on your dog walk just like a neighbourhood watch would really help us all keep an eye on the place."

In a statement a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We have received a report of grass being set on fire in Tonedale Mill Industrial Park, off Millstream Gardens, Wellington, on Wednesday 14 June at around 8.30pm 

"If anyone witnessed the incident, or has any relevant footage, please call 101 and quote log 1123 of 14 June."