Police and fire officers will carry out extra patrols at Irvine Moor after growing concerns about fires being set.

They joined forces this week on the Moor this week to highlight the danger of fires breaking out there - deliberately or accidentally.

The public raised concerns back in April this year about the future of the open space used for the town's annual Marymass Festival.

Firefighters were called to the area to put out four separate blazes on the weekend of April 22 and 23 alone.

A Police Scotland Ayrshire spokesperson said this week: "Our local community informed us of concerns about fires at the Moor, Irvine.

"As part of a multi-agency approach, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's Dreghorn Community Fire Station, North Ayrshire Council, and Police Scotland Ayrshire are providing extra attention to the area.

Irvine Times: Police patrol Irvine Moor

"Fire-raising is the wilful or reckless setting of fire to the property of another - and is a common law crime.

"It can be a deliberate act, but can also be from the careless disposal of cigarettes, barbecues, or campfires left unattended.

"Such fires can cause devastating consequences for nearby properties, local wildlife and drain emergency service resources.

"Our partners at Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have some excellent advice on wildfire prevention at https://ow.ly/MbuQ50P01Nk

"Anyone with information regarding fire setters should call 101, or for guaranteed anonymity, call Crimestoppers Scotland / Fearless on 0800 555 111."

Back in April one concerned local resident claimed the blazes were no accident - and that groups of youths had been setting shrubbery alight and drinking alcohol in the area during recent spells of drier weather.

They told the Times: "The Moor and surrounding grass, bushes and trees and wildlife are getting destroyed by kids lighting deliberate fires.

"This happened over the weekend, and the fire brigade were out at least five or more times to stop the fires spreading.

"The kids gather and hide out of sight, drink, then light fires. It's constant - you can't putting washing out [because] it smells of smoke and burnt grass.

"Most weekends without fail the fire brigade and their resources are called to attend round here and stop the fires spreading."