Police said the blaze was deliberately started when rubbish was set alight in a car park on Burgess Street, Wigston.

The fire officer was injured as he tackled the blaze about 9pm on Friday, and police are now investigating.

PC Andy Raybould, based at Wigston police station, said: "He has been released but this could have been far more serious."

He added: "Some people may not realise how serious the consequences are of such actions.

"I urge anyone who was in the area to come forward with information to eliminate themselves from the inquiry."