Firefighters alerted to large bonfire started in a goalmouth at a football pitch, off Pitmore Lane in Sway, sparking warning by parish council

FIREFIGHTERS extinguished a large bonfire started in a goalmouth at a New Forest football pitch, and a parish council highlighted the risk it posed to the “delicate habitat”.

The alarm was raised around 3.30am on Tuesday, with reports of the blaze at the site, off Pitmore Lane in Sway, which is also roamed by livestock.

A Brockenhurst crew put out the flames and damped down the area within about half an hour.

Sway parish clerk Katie Walding told the A&T: “The parish council is working hard with the police, Neighbourhood Watch and residents to address issues around the village including vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

“Any fire is a worry, but on the open Forest poses a very significant risk to the delicate habitat. Our thanks to the fire brigade for their speedy response in putting it out.”