A 20-year-old woman has pleaded not guilty to two arson charges in connection with a major moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir which burned for more than three weeks.

Shania Care-Slede appeared by video link at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday, where she denied two charges relating to the blaze in Saddleworth.

Care-Slede pleaded not guilty to arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and not guilty to arson, being reckless as to whether property was destroyed or damaged.

Both charges relate to 11 July, when the fire broke out on moorland belonging to United Utilities near Dovestone Reservoir in Greenfield.

The blaze developed into a major incident as firefighters battled the fire across the moorland.

The major incident declaration was eventually stood down after more than three weeks.

Care-Slede, formerly of Hyde, did, however, plead guilty to a separate charge of dangerous driving, also relating to 11 July.

She is due to be sentenced for the dangerous-driving offence on 29 September.

The two arson allegations will be dealt with separately, with a provisional trial date of 17 May 2027.

The court was also told that four other suspects have been arrested and interviewed and are expected to be charged in connection with the investigation.

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Topics :Fire

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