A grass area the size of around two football pitches was on fire in Sidcup.

A fire affecting two hectares of grass and shrubland at Ruxley Gravel Pit in Edgington Way was tackled by 21 firefighters.

London Fire Brigade said the blaze is one of the first grass fires of the year.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Today is one of the first warm days of the year and this is one of the first grass fires we have attended in 2017.

“These fires can  cause a great deal of damage to open spaces and wildlife but the public can help by making sure that cigarettes and barbecues are extinguished properly, and that glass bottles are disposed of carefully.

"It's also important that if you do notice a fire on open grassland that you don't attempt to put it out yourself as they can travel very quickly and change direction without warning.

“Call the fire brigade and let us know where the fire is so we can get our crews on the scene as soon as possible to stop it from spreading any further.” 

 The Brigade was called at 1.34pm and the fire was under control by 4.15pm.