TWO teenagers were arrested on suspicion of arson at the scene of a grass fire next to a children’s play area.

Police and fire crews were called to the play area on Buttermilk Crescent in Royal Wootton Bassett after residents in houses opposite reported the tall grass in the field surrounding the play area was on fire.

A woman and two children were reported to be using the play area at the time of the fire, but no injuries were reported.

Some were shocked to see how close the fire was to an area where children were playing and said it was lucky it didn’t spread to the row of houses opposite.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire service confirmed they were called to the blaze on the new development of houses on Buttermilk Crescent at around 4pm on Thursday.

They described an area of grass 50 square metres was on fire.

Two crews from Wootton Bassett and Westlea put out the flames using a combination of hoses and beaters. It was put out around an hour later.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police told the Adver: “We were called by the fire service to a suspicious fire in Royal Wootton Bassett.

“We quickly arrested two local teenage boys on suspicion of arson - one was 13 years old, the other 14.”

The two boys were taken to Gablecross Police station and have since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

The blaze comes as the town council and Bassett Local Youth Network launched a Positive Pledge asking people to think twice before sharing negative stereotypes of teenagers on social media.

Sue Hughes, Royal Wootton Bassett town Councillor, and chair of the Bassett Local Youth Network, told the Adver: “All our young people are important, no matter what choices they make.

"Supporting them will help to ensure that they are guided to make good choices.

“This incident is a strong reminder of the need for and importance of, working with and for our young people and wider community to reach the best possible outcomes.”