While communities work together to look after one another, one area has been left hurt and disappointed after a blaze spread across grassland.

The wide-spreading fire took place on Sunday evening, around 5.50pm at Taylors Way, Kells, and saw fire crews from Whitehaven, Frizington and Egremont attend.

Teams from Keswick and a specialist wildfire unit also helped tackle the blaze.

Whitehaven Fire Station posted the incident on social media, saying: "Please remember if we are attending deliberate fires, we cannot respond to those who need us."

And while police are investigating, Whitehaven Town Councillor Chris Hayes is hurt, believing the fire was set on purpose.

"It's quite horrendous – we keep saying to people that we know it's hard to [stay] indoors, but in these times we all need to do what we're told to do," he said.

"It's a scary time for everybody, it really is. The emergency services need to be focussed on other things right now, not deliberate fires."

No one was hurt in the incident, but many feel the use of vital frontline emergency workers has a knock-on damaging effect.

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison said: "Whilst we do not yet have it confirmed if the fire was a deliberate attack, initial information seems to point towards arson.

"At a time of national crisis, and as we in Parliament ask every one of our constituents to make changes to their lives in order to protect emergency services, protect the NHS and protect the most vulnerable, it is vitally important not to waste precious emergency response resources, and risk further life."

She added: "Please think if your actions could spread the virus which is killing thousands of people – please look after those who will look after us.

"Everybody can play a positive part to get us through this crisis.

"Wash your hands, and follow Public Health England guidance on social distancing."

Anyone with information is urged to call PC 2406 on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting log 141 of the 22nd March.