A MAN has been released under investigation after he was arrested on suspicion of arson following a wildfire near the A590.

Police confirmed that a 31-year-old man was in custody earlier this afternoon, arrested on suspicion of arson.

He was released under investigation this afternoon.

Police are particularly interested in anyone who saw a green Ford Transit van in the area - specific location is A590 eastbound just prior to Lindale Hill.

Officers are interested if anyone can check dashcam footage if they passed the area around 5.30pm

Crews received the initial call about the blaze adjacent to the A590 east of Newby Bridge at around 5.30pm on Saturday.

There were reports of smoke blowing across the carriageway.

At 9pm on Saturday, a Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service spokesman advised people to stay away from the area and confirmed that the A590 had been closed west bound as a precaution.

Crews from areas including Penrith, Sedbergh, Ambleside, Windermere and Grange were among those called to assist with the wildfire. Specialist wildfire teams used their expertise to put the fire out

Officers are encouraging anyone with information about this incident which could assist officers to report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 212 of March 19 2022. You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Read more about the incident here: https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/20006513.fire-crews-deal-wildfire-near-a590/

https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/20006603.cumbria-fire-crews-remain-scene-wildfire-near-a590/

https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/20007251.investigation-challenging-wildfire-near-a590/