FIREFIGHTERS rushed to a wildfire in the early hours of this morning.

Both Cockermouth appliances were alerted early this morning to assist specialist wildfire teams from across Cumbria with a fire in Newlands Valley near Keswick.

A spokesman for Cockermouth Fire Station said: "Early signs are that this has been started deliberately.

"Cumbria and society as a whole do not need to be dealing with these mindless acts at anytime, particularly at times like these."

Cumbria Highways have placed an emergency road closure in place on Newlands pass, between Buttermere Village and Little Town junction, due to the hill fire.

Buttermere village is still said to be accessible.

The road will remain closed until it is made safe for full access.