A significant fire service response was deployed to the incident
Detectives investigating a suspected arson on Rivington moorland have provided an update. Emergency services were called to the scene of the wildfire on land off Sheep Hose Lane and Rivington Road just after 8pm on Tuesday (May 13).
A significant fire service response was deployed, with multiple crews and specialist equipment from both Lancashire and Greater Manchester, while locals were advised to avoid the area. On Thursday (May 15), Lancashire Police confirmed that four teenagers had been taken into custody in relation to the fire, as reported by LancsLive.
A 19 year old man, an 18 year old woman and a 17 year old girl were all arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of criminal damage (arson not endangering life). All three were later bailed pending further enquiries.
A 19 year old woman was also arrested on suspicion of the same offence on Thursday morning. In an update issued this morning (May 16), a spokesperson for Lancashire Police confirmed that the fourth suspect had also been released on bail pending further investigations.
Images from the scene on Tuesday night showed thick smoke billowing from the moor, while emergency services were at work. Rivington Road was closed as firefighters used specialist equipment, including a drone, to combat the fire, reports Lancs Live.
Crews finally left the scene late on Wednesday night, according to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
