Arsonists spotted starting fires on Saddleworth Moor
A police helicopter is understood to have spotted arsonists setting fresh fires on Saddleworth Moor close to where a large wildfire continues to burn.
A group of people were reportedly seen starting fresh blazes at a grassland called Healey Nab, just four miles away from where firefighters are currently tackling a huge fire.
Tony Crook, from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said the incident was “absolutely heart-breaking and unbelievable”.
He also added that “police are now attending the scene to try to apprehend the arsonists”.
The original wildfire in the area is still raging on after it began on Thursday. A major incident was declared on Saturday after high winds caused two fires to merge which led to more than 120 firefighters launching a large scale attack on the fire on Sunday.
Authorities have warned pedestrians and motorists to stay away from the scene with people also being urged not to fly drones in the area due to the risk they pose to police helicopters.
The Met Office has reported that no significant rain is forecast throughout the next week which will mean firefighters will be working in hot and dry conditions.
