Arsonists set hay bales on fire at a farm in Hatfield Peverel, it is believed.

Two fire engines from Witham were sent to Mowden Hall Lane at about 8pm last night to extinguish two separate fires involving hay bales.

Initially one engine was sent to the scene, but on arrival, the incident commander requested the attendance of a second for extra water and firefighters.

The fires, believed to have been started deliberately, were out by 8.44pm. 

Firefighters stayed there for 15 minutes turning over and damping down.