FIRE crews have now left Winter Hill after tackling the wildfire overnight.

More than 40 firefighters were called to tackle the large blaze at 2.24pm.

Eight fire engines from stations including Chorley, Blackburn, Bacup, Preston, and Horwich helped to tackle the flames.

More than 2km of land has been damaged as flames reached heights of 6m

A spokesman for the fire service said: "We have now left the incident at Belmont, Winter Hill. Please don’t venture on the moors today, follow Gov guidance and stay at home.

"It’s still tinder dry and will easy burn."

The fire broke out as GMP Bolton North posted that officers were receiving reports that people were having a barbecue at Winter Hill.

Fire services would like to warn people of the seriousness of starting fires and ignoring government advice to stay indoors where possible.