TWO boys aged 15 from Newport have been arrested on suspicion of arson following the fire that destroyed almost 25 acres of grassland and bracken in the city last week.

Firefighters spent six hours fighting the flames on and around the area occupied by the Gaer hill fort on the night of Monday April 20 and into the early hours of the following morning.

The boys have now been released on police bail pending further inquiries into the incident.

Inspector Neil Muirhead of Gwent Police has reiterated warnings over the dangers of grass fires and the consequences that can follow.

"Deliberately set grass fires not only blight the countryside, wildlife and the environment, they present a very real danger to members of the public especially if they are quite close to a built up area," he said.

"Anyone with information relating to the grass fires in Gwent over the last few weeks are asked to call us on 101.

"Whoever is responsible not only has to live with the consequences of the damage but the real possibility of causing injury to members of the public. They will also face prosecution which could result in a custodial sentence. "

Deputy Chief Constable Craig Guildford represented Gwent Police earlier this week at a multi-agency summit to discuss ways of preventing further destruction being caused, and to identify those responsible.

It is estimated that the cost of tackling grass fires in April alone in South Wales was £1.2 million.