A fire which destroyed 200 bales of straw at a farm in Wix is being treated as suspicious by police.

Fire crews from Manningtree and Dovercourt were called to the fire in a field at Green farm, Oakley Road, at about 3pm on Tuesday.

Acting Sgt Alan Coley, of Mistley police, said: "This fire is not something that started on its own. Somebody did something to start this fire."

It took over two hours to bring the blaze, which also destroyed part of an ancient hedge, under control.

The officer said the damage to the hedge was the real tragedy of the whole incident: "The straw can be replaced but that hedge will not recover."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. "It was in the middle of the afternoon and although this is a very quiet location cars may have been passing.

"This fire is of doubtful origin and we would be like to speak to anyone who may have seen someone coming out of this field or who saw anything," he said.

Anyone with information should contact Mistley police on 01206 392611or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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