Police and firefighters called to Dovestones after 'group of men' spotted enjoying a BBQ

Police and firefighters were called to Dovestones Reservoir this evening after a 'group of males' were spotting enjoying a BBQ. Emergency services descended on the beauty spot in Saddleworth, Oldham, after receiving a report that the group had lit a barrel barbecue.

Pictures showed several fire engines and police vehicles arriving at the reservoir at about 9pm. Officers said eight men were spoken to and had their details taken with a view to being prosecuted.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is currently in place covering Saddleworth Moor, which makes it is a criminal offence to start fires in the area, including lighting barbecues. Police have previously warned that those who ignore the rules could be hit with fines of up to £1,000.

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In a post on the GMP Saddleworth & Lees Facebook page, officers said: "Police and Gmfrs attended Dovestones tonight after a report of a group of males with a lit barrel bbq.

"8 males have been spoken to and details recorded for prosecution under the public spaces protection order."

The incident comes after a series of fires on land near to the reservoir in recent weeks. Between Sunday, July 10 and Tuesday, July 12 - five fires are understood to have been started deliberately near to the car park.

Traces of accelerant have been found at three of the 'seats' - where the blazes are believe to have originated. On Monday, July 18, a fire was also started by a disposable BBQ in a 'thoughtless and irresponsible' act on the moors near to the reservoir.

Both police and firefighters later expressed frustration at fires returning to the moorland, despite repeated warnings and