A WILDFIRE alert has been issued after six hectares of countryside was damaged in a blaze.

Fire crews were called to Pippingford Park in Nutley, near East Grinstead, after a large fire erupted in the open at the park.

Firefighters from Crowborough, Uckfield, Heathfield and Seaford attended the scene, with specialist equipment used to tackle the fire.

Police also provided support, with a drone deployed to try and locate the source of the fire.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue have encouraged the public to be “wildfire aware” while out in the countryside, encouraging people to avoid having barbecues, never throw cigarette ends out of car windows, and to take rubbish like glass bottles and jars home or in a recycling bin for disposal - as sunlight shining through glass can start a fire.

If you spot a fire in the countryside, people should dial 999 immediately, give a map reference or landmark where possible, estimate the size of the fire, and wait for the arrival of fire crews in a safe location.

The fire service also stressed that people should not tackle any fire themselves and to leave putting out the fire to professionals.