Voluntary litter-pickers also collected huge amounts of waste during the hot spell

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Dramatic pictures showed the aftermath of a "bonfire on the beach" started deliberately near a Wirral landmark.

Fire crews attended the scene near New Brighton's Fort Perch Rock earlier this week, which left the area filled with smoke. The bonfire was started after fence panels were deliberately set alight.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) were called to the scene at 8.15pm on Tuesday, and used a hosereel jet to extinguish the blaze.

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Volunteer clean-up groups also reported gathering 40kg of litter and waste from the beaches around the fort after the sunny weather over the past few days brought people to New Brighton in their droves.

People reacted to the pictures of the fire when they were posted in a local community group. One said: "What is wrong with people who try to destroy our beauty and history," while another said: "I was down there today. I was disgusted that some people left their throwaway BBQs, lots of litter.... you selfish people."

A Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) spokesperson urged the public to be particularly careful during hot weather after an increase in the number of grass fires, adding: "Each year MFRS attends a large number of grass fires, woodland and dune fires many of which are caused as a result of careless actions, including the improper use of barbecues and camp fires left unattended.

"While many start accidentally, others are started deliberately. In these instances, MFRS is urging parents to discuss the very serious consequences of arson with their children."

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