POLICE have launched an investigation after a report of a ‘substantial’ arson attack which scorched the nearby trees and bushes.

Witnesses are being sought following a report of an arson attack which took place on Friday April 23 between 12pm and 12.45pm.

Firefighters rushed to Snipe Gill in Marton to discover a 200-metre blaze which had spread ‘significantly’ to the trees and bushes.

Watch manager Mike Wilkinson said: “It was a fairly substantial area that was burnt – approximately 200 metres, including trees, bushes and grass.

“We were initially told it was a small fire but then by the time we got there it had spread substantially. Thanks to the quick actions of firefighters, it was brought under control.

“Potentially, it could have been a lot worse. It could have spread into the nearby village or affected the powerlines.

“A member of the public told us that he believed the incident was arson so we informed the police.

“We’re coming into the wildfire season now so these fires have the potential to get out of control because of the dry conditions. We’re asking people to consider their actions. There’s been a number of wildfires across the county over the past few weeks which is concerning.”

Alfred Waite, councillor for Marton, described seeing crime scene investigation vans and a big presence of fire and police officers at the scene.

“Police told me that someone had pulled up in a 4x4 and went into the field and set fire to it and then got back in the car and drove away,” he said.

“It was just a field with spoil heaps and overgrown with brambles. It was a fairly big fire, though, and was about 50 by 20 yards in area.

“If you carry on down the road to the next village there was a place where someone had set fire to something recently. I think it is quite common in Barrow at the moment as well.

“It is the first time we have had something like this in Marton though.

“It is very unusual for this to happen here. If people can keep their eye out and spot anything that is suspicious, contact the police.”

Police have launched an investigation into the arson and are looking to speak to the driver of a dark coloured vehicle seen in the area at the time, described as a white man in his 70s.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious, who can call police on 101.