Two police officers who put themselves in danger to save lives following a massive farm fire near Carlisle have been praised for their bravery.

The two officers came across the fire near Irthington in the early hours of yesterday morning about 2.40am.

PCs Euan Stitt and Iain Parsons were patrolling north of Carlisle Airport when they spotted the "large-scale barn fire".

The PCs, who both work as North Cumbria Mobile Support Group Officers, moved swiftly to wake the occupants of the farm – who were unaware of the fire – before helping to get livestock in harm’s way to safety.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Rob O’Connor praised the officers for their actions.

He said: “The quick-thinking of the officers not only helped save the lives of numerous livestock but also ensured the occupants of the nearby farmhouse were able to get to safety.

“Had the officers not acted with such courage and professionalism, this incident could well have ended in tragedy.

“I am immensely proud that Cumbria has such exceptionally committed officers to call upon.”

Cumbria Fire Service had four appliances attend the fire, reporting three buildings well alight.

A police spokesman said: "The cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious at this time."

Fire crews have spent hours tackling the blaze which caused "substantial" damage to outbuildings.

Crews from Carlisle, Brampton, Longtown, Wigton and Gretna all attended.

Crews were out throughout yesterday trying to bring it under control.

An aerial appliance was also called out to the scene.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Fire crews found three buildings to be well alight on arrival and used the aerial appliance as a water tower to extinguish the fire."

In a statement on their Facebook page, Longtown fire crew said: "We were mobilised in the early hours of this morning to a substantial building fire on a farm near Irthington.

"We spent over four hours at the incident before being relieved just after 7am by an additional crew from Wigton.

"Sadly the fire has caused considerable damage, but thankfully only to property."