YOUTHS are being blamed for causing two major blazes within days of each other on mudflats at Rushenden, near Sheerness.

Birds and other wildlife perished in both grass fires which happened on Tuesday and Thursday.

Sub-officer Chris Lawrence, from Sheerness fire station, said: "Both were definitely started deliberately by youths and we found many burnt birds' nests as well as dead birds, including skylarks. We also found dead frogs and other creatures.

He added: "The first fire covered 1,000 sq metres and the second 600 sq metres.

"Fields all over the Island have been dry for weeks now and we have had a total of 89 calls this month which is 30 per up on normal - and most of these have been to grass fires."