French Rivieria wildfires: Two teenage boys arrested on suspicion of starting destructive blazes

Tourists were evacuated to a beach as the fires threatened the Mediterranean coast (AP)

Two teenage boys are in custody on suspicion of arson over wildfires which have swept across parts of south-eastern France.

The boys, both aged 16, were stopped in Martigues on Wednesday on suspicion of starting a blaze in Carro where 150 hectares (370 acres) were devastated.

Aix-en-Provence deputy police prosecutor Remy Avon said they will go before a judge on Friday afternoon with a view to being charged with arson and theft.

The offence can carry a 15-year jail sentence for minors.

The official also said a 41-year-old man has admitted to accidentally starting the wildfire in Peynier with a metal-cutting device.

That fire burned 72 hectares of vegetation. He will appear in court on Friday afternoon.

AP