Fire crews tackling blaze in Mansfield attacked with golf balls

The fire at Oak Tree Nature Reserve was started deliberately, say the fire service

An appeal has been launched after fire crews were attacked with golf balls while tackling a deliberate fire at a nature reserve.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Oak Tree Nature Reserve, in Mansfield, on Friday evening.

It said crews spent over three hours tackling the large grass fire and were able to prevent it from spreading to a nearby leisure centre.

Area manager Andy Macey said attacks on crews were "completely unacceptable".

Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby leisure centre

Seven fire engines and two water carriers from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire fire and rescue services were in attendance after they were called before 19:00 BST.

Mr Macey added: "Deliberate fires put lives at risk and take our fire engines away from dealing with other life-threatening incidents.

"With the extreme weather we are already dealing with more incidents than normal, and deliberate fire starting needlessly ties up our resources.

"Attacks on our crews as they go about their job are completely unacceptable and we will be working with our police colleagues to identify those responsible."

Anyone with information is has been asked to call 101.