A police appeal has been launched after a spate of fires in woodland areas across the county in the last week.

Surrey Police are working with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service to investigate a number of fires, including a suspicious blaze at Ashtead Common which raged on until the early hours of Monday, April 20.

From April 21: "Ring of fire" - Rangers battle to save historic common from FIVE suspected arson attacks

From April 20: Firefighters tackle two fires on historic common in suspected arson

The fire at the common off Kingston Road in Leatherhead, began at about 8pm on Sunday, April 19, and burnt until about 1.30am the following morning.

It is believed there were five suspected arson attacks at the common, with the largest fire ravaging an acre of land and destroyed several trees, stag beetle larvae and grass snake eggs.

Other fires also being investigated include a blaze which is believed to have been started deliberately in Ash Hill Road, Ash, on Tuesday, April 21, and a non-suspicious heathland fire at Frensham Common at about 3.20pm the same day.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Goodwin said: “We are asking for the public to be vigilant and to call us straightaway if they spot anyone acting suspiciously around heath and common land.

“Starting a fire not only puts people's lives at risk but also causes significant damage and can have a devastating effect on wildlife in the area.

"As we have seen in recent days, these fires have caused a huge amount of disruption and inconvenience to the local community and have stretched the resources of the emergency services that are called out to respond.”

A fire which broke out on the Pirbright ranges on Wednesday, April 15, is also being investigated and a man has been arrested and bailed until May 30 pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information on any of the fires should call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference 45150030797, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting my.surrey.police.uk/splonlinereportingweb.