A fire which destroyed nearly 15 hectares of Alcombe Common on Monday was believed to have been started deliberately, according to a Devon and Somerset Fire Service spokesman.

Two fire engines from Minehead and a water-carrier from Bridgwater fought the blaze, which was discovered at 1.30pm on Monday and spread along two 100-metre fronts.

One Minehead crew was initially sent to the scene but a second engine and an off-road pump were needed, along with a water-carrier in case larger volumes of water were required.

The spokesman added: “Crews initially tackled the blaze with beaters and then with a high-pressure fogging unit and compressed air foam which prevented the fire spreading any further.

“The cause was believed to be deliberate because no controlled burns were reported in the area.”