Firefighters tackled multiple fires at a Stoke-on-Trent park, which were deemed to be "deliberate".

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 12.50pm to Park Hall Country Park in Longton, following reports of smoke coming from the area.

The service said five appliances, a water carrier and three rangers attended the scene.

They found a "large area of grassland well alight" and extinguished the fire using backpacks, beaters and wildfire hoses.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said while crews were still at this incident, another two fires were reported nearby.

Crews made their way to the incidents on foot and found a "large area of vegetation well alight".

Wildfire jets and main jets were used to extinguish this fire.

Group Manager Jordan Money, who attended the scene, said: "The cause of all the fires at Park Hall Country Park yesterday were deemed to be deliberate.

"This is completely unacceptable and we are working alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Police to support an investigation into those responsible.

"Crews have been at the scene for almost 24 hours, working to dampen down and monitor hotspots.

"Deliberate fires not only strain our resources but also cause extensive damage to local landscapes and wildlife.

"I would urge parents to speak to their children about the dangers of setting fires because as we have seen in this incident, fire can quickly become out of control and those responsible could end up with a criminal record.

"Finally, I would remind people to use the What 3 Words app when reporting locations to us, as it was particularly helpful in this incident and helped us know where to send resources."

Staffordshire Police is appealing for information following the "series of deliberate fires".

Officers attended the scene alongside Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service after Staffordshire Police was called at 1.20pm to Park Hall Country Park following reports of multiple fires at the location.

Officers assisted with road closures.

Inspector Rebecca Price, of the Stoke-on-Trent south local policing team, said: "As firefighters were working to extinguish a fire, another one would be set nearby.

"This is completely unacceptable and we have launched an investigation into those responsible.

"We are aware that there were three or four teenagers were in the area at the time, wearing balaclavas and riding e-scooters.

"We are keen to speak to these teenagers as part of our enquiries, and I would urge anyone who knows who they might be to contact us.

"I would also urge anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage of the area at the time to get in touch."

To contact Staffordshire Police, call 101, quoting incident 453 of 19 July, or use Live Chat on the website. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.