An investigation has been launched following the fire at Macclesfield Forest.

Cheshire Police are appealing for information as they look to identify those responsible for causing the recent wildfire at the local beauty spot.

Believed to have been caused by a disposable BBQ, the blaze destroyed around two hectares of grassland.

PC Rob Stordy said: "Officers from Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team attended the scene alongside specialist fire investigators from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"Evidence of recent disposable BBQ use was discovered and is believed to be the cause of the fire.

"Given the exceptionally dry conditions and the ongoing heatwave, the use of a disposable BBQ in this environment was highly reckless.

"We have now launched Operation Yearling to identify those responsible for starting the fire.

"As you can imagine, identifying those involved may prove challenging.

"However, we already have several lines of enquiry that we are actively pursuing.

"We are appealing to anyone who has information about how the fire started, or who was in the area on the day and witnessed anything suspicious, to come forward."

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were first alerted to the blaze at 4.10pm on Tuesday, July 21, with 61 emergency calls made to the service.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a rapidly spreading fire in the northern section of the forest, between Clarke Lane, Charity Lane and Hacked Way Lane.

In total, the fire affected an area of approximately 150 metres by 150 metres.

Thanks to the swift deployment of a United Utilities-funded helicopter, the flames were contained from spreading any further.

Area Manager Matt Barlow, head of service delivery at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This fire has had a significant impact on Macclesfield Forest and has required a substantial response from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and our partner agencies.

"Firefighters have worked around the clock in difficult conditions, supported by Cheshire Police, United Utilities and other organisations, to help bring the incident under control and protect the surrounding area and local community.

"There had been repeated national and local warnings about the heightened danger of wildfires following an extended period of hot, dry weather, and the countryside was already extremely vulnerable.

"Lighting a fire in those circumstances demonstrated a complete disregard for the very real risks and potential consequences."

Mr Barlow continued: "A discarded disposable barbecue has been identified as the most probable cause of this fire.

"The incident has resulted in emergency services being tied up for almost a week, extensive damage to the natural environment and prolonged disruption to the local community and visitors to the forest.

"The outcome could have been far worse had emergency services and partner agencies not acted so quickly and effectively to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.

"We would ask anyone who has information that could assist the police investigation to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help establish exactly what happened and ensure those responsible are held accountable."

A United Utilities spokesperson added: "The wildfire has destroyed around two hectares of grassland – equivalent to around three football pitches. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Wildfires on our land this year have already destroyed an area equivalent to more than 1,300 football pitches, causing significant damage to wildlife, habitats and the natural environment.

"BBQs and open fires are not permitted on our land and most visitors respect this. Macclesfield Forest is a beautiful place to enjoy, but this incident forced us to close parts of the area and disrupted visits for many people.

"We urge everyone to respect the environment and local communities by helping us protect these special places and enjoying them safely. We'd also like to thank Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service for their support."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cheshire Police via 101, quoting 'Operation Yearling' or crime reference number 26000592358

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.