A 22-YEAR-OLD man from Bolton has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life over a fire on hills near Chorley. 

Lancashire Constabulary and Lancashire Fire and Rescue are carrying out a joint investigation into the cause of a fire at Winter Hill near Bolton.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "Fire crews continue to tackle the blaze which broke out yesterday afternoon (Thursday, June 28th)

"The origin and cause of the fire remain unknown.

"One man, aged 22, from Bolton, has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life."

More fire crews are travelling to hills near Chorley to battle a blaze.

Lancashire Fire Service officials have tweeted:

The fire authority were first called about the incident at 3.21pm and by 8pm 15 fire engines from Lancashire and Manchester were in attendance.

The area affected was approximately 1km square in size.

A Lancashire Fire statement said that: "Firefighters are tackling the fire from three locations using specialist wildfire fighting equipment plus hose reels and beaters.

"Mountain rescue officers and United Utilities are assisting at the incident.

"There is no immediate risk to livestock, domestic properties or infrastructure.

"However, please keep windows and doors closed if you are close to the smoke."

The scale of the fire could be seen from a tweet by Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire Justin Johnson.

Plumes of smoke can be seen in the sky from across Chorley.

It is the second time in almost a week that firefighters have fought flames on moorland near Chorley.

Meanwhile Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle has praised the emergency services for their efforts in Chorley and Saddleworth recently.