A WARNING has been issued by the county's fire service following call outs to seven outdoor fires within three hours.

Crews were called to small fires in Colchester, Brightlingsea, Basildon, Rochford, Rayleigh, Wickford and Orsett between 6pm and 9pm tonight, Friday June 13.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "Deliberate fires like this endanger lives, not only the fire itself but also in taking up the time of fire crews who might otherwise be needed elsewhere.

"It is extremely irresponsible to start fires like this and we urge anyone heading outside to enjoy the good weather this weekend to make sure they are fire safe and do not start any wildfires."