A forest near Carlisle is on fire - and officers believe it was started deliberately.

Firefighters are currently battling the blaze in woodland, involving trees and bushes, at Peter Gate, Armathwaite.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "On arrival the crew from Carlisle East fire station discovered that the fire at High Stand Forest involves an area of woodland measuring approximately 20 metres by 10 metres.

"They are using hose reel jets to fight the fire."

While at the scene the crew discovered a second fire in the same location.

They are currently damping the areas down to make them safe.

The call-out came in shortly before 9am.

"The fires are believed to have been started deliberately," said a fire service spokesperson.

* The crews were stood down about 11.30am.

* Anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.