A spokesperson for the National Forest urged people to be cautious in the open countryside during dry weather.

They added: "We are deeply saddened by the recent fire at Bardon Hill in Leicestershire, which sits on the edge of the National Forest.

"While this particular site is not land owned or managed by the National Forest Company, it is part of the wider forest landscape we are all working to protect and enhance.

"This incident highlights the very real danger that fire poses to our woodlands and wildlife, especially during periods of prolonged dry weather."