'Large area of natural beauty' damaged in fire

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said arson was the most likely cause

A fire that damaged "a large area of natural beauty" in Nottinghamshire is "highly likely" to be a case of arson, firefighters have said.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the blaze at Bestwood Country Park on Sunday afternoon.

Four appliances were required to bring the fire under control, with crews at the scene for five hours.

The service appealed on social media to parents to warn children about "the damage that one match can do in a dry wooded area".

"A large area of natural beauty has been damaged and a lot of fire service resources were tied up for some considerable time," a spokesperson said.

"Unfortunately after many reports from [witnesses], it's highly likely this was caused by arson."