An investigation has been launched after residents reported that a group of children were responsible for setting a series of fires on the golf course at Fulwell on Monday.

It is the second time in a few weeks that fires have ripped through the grassland and neighbouring scrub and trees on the course at David Lloyd Hampton – threatening homes.

The smoke was seen from miles away while residents reported that large amounts of ash rained down on properties in the area.

Picture by Tammy Barter Cooksley.

At one stage the smoke was so thick that the Uxbridge Road was closed, shutting off access to the large Sainsbury's store.

One resident reported that fires were set at four different locations.

Another said: "No reason for the fires other than being set deliberately. When they kill someone or set houses on fire perhaps something will be done to stop them."

Earlier this month, the police issued an alert over arsonists attempting to deliberately set fire to the tinder box grassland in the Royal Parks.

The Royal Parks police today tweeted a picture of a pile of rubbish, including a lighter and spray can of deodorant, which appears to have been used to set light to the grassland in Bushy Park.

Before that, the London Fire Brigade raised fears that people appear to be deliberating causing fires. Officials spoke out after reporting that a fire in Feltham, which came within just a few feet of homes, appeared to have been started deliberately.

Picture by Tammy Barter Cooksley.

In July, there was a large grassland fire on the David Lloyd golf course. In that case, the flames leapt across a major road in the area to set fire to bushes close to homes.

Today (Tuesday, 30 August), London Fire Brigade said no cause of the fires on Monday have yet been established.

It said: "Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Wellington Road in Hampton Hill.

"Around two hectares of grass was damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries."

A spokesperson said: "Whilst we have seen some rainfall, we're asking Londoners not to be complacent. When the ground is very dry it's harder for water to be absorbed, which is why we have seen flash flooding as the water pools on the surface, but it also means that grasslands are still parched and the smallest of sparks could cause a fire.

"Please continue to help us prevent grass fires by not barbecuing on open land, clearing away rubbish and glass and safely disposing of cigarettes."

The Brigade was called at 3.24pm and the fire was under control by 4.36pm. Fire crews from Feltham, Kingston and Twickenham fire stations attended the scene.