TWO heath fires which took place yesterday are feared to have been started deliberately.

The first fire happened at around 3pm on Harmleigh Farm, an area to the southern edge of Godlingston Heath.

The second fire happened at around 5.30pm at Ballard Down, an internationally important chalk grassland in New Swanage.

Landowner The National Trust said they will survey the damage today.

They said early indications are that the fires may have been started deliberately but police and fire investigations are continuing.

Full story in tomorrow's Daily Echo.