Hucknall firefighters assist at scene of deliberate fire in Mansfield where crews were attacked with golf balls as they tackled major blaze

A crew of Hucknall firefighters assisted at the scene of a deliberate fire at Oak Tree Nature Reserve in Mansfield on Friday night (15 July).

Seven fire engines and two water carriers from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Services attended the scene after emergency services were called just before 7pm.

Crews spent over three hours tackling the blaze and were able to prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby leisure centre.

During the course of tackling the fire, crews were attacked with golf balls.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service are now appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward and speak to police.

Area Manager Andy Macey of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Deliberate fires put lives at risk and take our fire engines away from dealing with other life-threatening incidents.

"With the extreme weather we are already dealing with more incidents than normal, and deliberate fire starting needlessly ties up our resources.

"Attacks on our crews as they go about their job are completely unacceptable and we will be working with our police colleagues to identify those responsible. I ask anyone with information to come forward to the police."

Anyone with information is being asked to call 101 quoting incident 0713_15072022.