Police have slammed two suspected offenders for their 'utter stupidity' after a hedge fire nearly spread to nearby houses.

Firefighters and police officers were called to Frith Hill in Great Missenden at 7.40pm on Saturday where an eight-metre long hedge was ablaze.

According to the police, two 'offenders' were seen running from the scene before the emergency services arrived.

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Two fire engines, one from Chesham and one from Amersham, worked quickly to extinguish the inferno, preventing it from getting out of control and spreading to nearby trees or houses.

In a post on social media, Thames Valley Police praised the work of Bucks Fire and Rescue, but slammed the offenders suspected to be responsible.

It said: "Because of their quick response, the fire did not spread to the nearby trees and houses but two engines were committed for quite some time.

"There are only two words to describe the offenders' actions in this scenario. Utter stupidity."