Walkers urged to avoid beauty spot after farm fire

People have been warned to avoid a popular beauty spot after 250 hay bales were destroyed in a farm fire.

Fire and smoke were visible for miles across the countryside near Wroughton, Wiltshire, after the blaze broke out on Hackpen Hill.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Westlea, Swindon and Marlborough were sent to the scene shortly after 09:30 BST on Saturday.

Walkers and cyclists have been asked to avoid the site, which is one of a number of hills in the area to have a white horse carving. The fire service has not reported any injuries.

Wiltshire Police have been asked by the fire service to attend the scene [BBC]

A spokesperson for the fire service said crews had used hose reels to extinguish the fire, as well as farm machinery to create a fire break and prevent the flames from spreading.

Wiltshire Police had also been asked to attend the scene. The force has been approached for comment.

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