Suspect at large two years on from Lake District wildfire

Police are still looking for a suspect two years on from a wildfire that devastated a fell in the Lake District.

The blaze on the fellside between High Newton and Newby Bridge spread for nearly half a mile (750 metres) on 19 March 2022.

A 33-year-old man from Southport was due to appear in court on 5 June 2023, charged with arson.

But he failed to show up to the hearing and a warrant for his arrest was still out, police confirmed.

Firefighting crews from around the area tackled the large blaze, which caused the closure of the A590 due to smoke billowing across the road.

Specialist wildfire units assisted in putting out the fire, near the southern edge of Windermere.

Crews came from Penrith, Sedbergh, Ambleside, Windermere, Grange, Kendal and Walney.

A man was arrested shortly after the blaze and released under investigation.

After failing to show up for the hearing at Barrow Magistrates' Court, a warrant for his arrest was issued.

The Crown Prosecution Service and Cumbria Police confirmed the case was still outstanding.

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