Fire crews tackle blaze at disused quarry overnight

Fire crews have responded to a large blaze at a former quarry in Lossiemouth

Fire crews have worked through the night to tackle a fire at a former quarry in Moray following a spate of similar incidents.

Emergency services were dispatched to the disused quarry in Lossiemouth at about 19:20 on Thursday following reports of a large-scale blaze.

At the height of the incident six appliances were at the scene and two fire engines were still there at 06:00 on Friday.

It comes after Police Scotland warned that additional patrols would be put in place around the area due to a number of recent fires in the area, which were thought to be deliberate.

A police spokesperson said the A941 was closed in both directions between the B9103 and the B9135 and urged local residents to keep their windows closed.

Carolle Ralph, who chairs Lossiemouth Community Council, said it was the third large fire to take place in the area in the last two weeks.

She said the flames had come "terrifyingly close" to nearby homes.

"We have walked around the area after each fire," she said. "It has caused devastating damage which is putting lives at risk and destroying the habitats of wildlife.

"Someone must know who is responsible. Anyone who knows who is doing this should contact the police before someone loses their life or home."

Police Scotland said officers had attended "several" fires in the area between 22 August and 1 September.

The force said officers would be carrying out patrols of the quarry "before, during and after school" hours.

Insp Neil Morrison said: "Fire raising is dangerous and we will deal with anyone that behaves in this way with the full extent of powers available."