Leeds men charged under coronavirus laws after moorland fire caused by 'out-of-control barbecue'

Four Leeds men have been charged under new coronavirus laws after a moorland fire was caused by an 'out-of-control barbecue'.

Firefighters and police officers were called at 8pm to a moorland fire just off of the A628 at Woodhead, in Derbyshire, on Friday, April 10.

An area of about four hectares was burnt.

It is believed the fire was started by a BBQ which had "gotten out of control".

Four Leeds men have been charged under new coronavirus laws after a moorland fire was caused by a 'out-of-control barbecue'. Photo: Google.Four Leeds men have been charged under new coronavirus laws after a moorland fire was caused by a 'out-of-control barbecue'. Photo: Google.
Four Leeds men have been charged under new coronavirus laws after a moorland fire was caused by a 'out-of-control barbecue'. Photo: Google.
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Derbyshire Police identified a group of men from Leeds who they have questioned in connection with the incident.

The men are all in their early 20s.

The four men have been summoned to court.

A force spokesman said: "It is believed the fire was started by a BBQ which had gotten out of control.

"We have traced four men, all in their early 20s, who we believe were involved.

"They have been summoned to court to face allegations under the new coronavirus legislation.

"Namely that they were associating with people other than those in their own household and that their travel by car to Derbyshire was unnecessary."

An investigation into the fire is still ongoing.