Southport man arrested after large wild fire sweeps through Cumbrian fells on Saturday

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson over a large wildfire in Cumbria.

The blaze, on the fellside between High Newton and Newby Bridge, spread for nearly half a mile (750m) at its peak on Saturday evening.

The man was held on Sunday morning in the Southport area and has been released while investigations continue.

Police want to speak to anyone who saw a green Ford Transit van on the A590 eastbound just prior to Lindale Hill on Saturday evening.

The Cumbrian fire service said...

A busy evening for Blue watch Kendal along with multiple crews from across the south of the county including specialist wildfire units. Walney’s JICU providing command support along with Cumbria police closing the A590 for a short while.

Just before 6pm Sedbergh Wildfire team along with a number of crews, specialist teams and officers from across the county  responded to an incident on Cartmel Fell.  The A590 was closed for a period of time for safety concerns.