TEN fire engines were sent out to tackle a moors blaze across almost one square kilometre in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Grass and gorse was ablaze on Grinkle Moor, not far from Loftus, east Cleveland.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "Cleveland Fire Brigade sent six fire engines in total and we were supported by our colleagues at North Yorkshire Fire Rescues who sent four engines.

"The blaze is now under control and two engines will remain in the area to monitor.

The Northern Echo:

"Grass fires are very dangerous and can spread or change direction very quickly, it is important that such incidents are reported quickly so action can be taken"

She warned that visitors to the moors should dispose of rubbish and cigarettes properly and said they should not use open fires in the countryside.

She added: "We are focused on making our communities safer and more enjoyable places for people to live and work and should such incidents be found to be deliberate we take every step to investigate and secure prosecutions."