Arsonists set light to bale of hay (From Gazette)

Arsonists set light to bale of hay

6:08pm Sunday 6th September 2009 in

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POLICE are appealing for information after arsonists set light to a large bale of hay and caused £1000 damage.

The hay was rolled from a field and set alight in Ford Lane, Alresford, and the blaze then spread to a nearby hedge and the garden of a nearby property.

The incident happened around 1.35am on Sunday and the fire is being treated as suspicious.

PC Robin Binnington, of Brightlingsea Police, said: "This incident highlights the dangers of starting fires in dry weather conditions. The fire spread quickly along the edge of Ford Lane and could have been much worse had it not been for the owner of the property calling the fire brigade after she was alerted by her dog.

Sgt Darren Deex, who was in the area at the time for a pre-planned operation targeting anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, said: "Although I arrived in the area a only few minutes after the fire was discovered, there was no trace of the people involved when we carried out an area search. If anyone knows who is to blame for this extremely irresponsible arson they should contact us immediately."

Anyone with information is urged to contact PC Binnington on 0300 333 4444.