A fire that had spread across six hectares of gorse at Goonhilly Downs was spotted by the crew of a Royal Navy helicopter.

The helicopter was flying over the Lizard Peninsula at around 1.50pm today when they realised a large section of gorse was ablaze.

Fire fighters from Mullion and St Keverne were called to put out the fire using beaters and by 3.05pm it had been brought under control.

Arson is suspected to the cause of the blaze and the police have begun an investigation.