POLICE are treating a fire where around 300 tonnes of hay inside a barn caught alight as arson.
Three fire crews were called to the scene in Manor Road, Woodham Walter, just before midnight on Saturday.
They reported the large building was completely alight and had been badly damaged.
A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue said: "Due to the scale of the fire, firefighters gained control of it before then allowing it to largely burn itself out throughout the night.
"At 8.22am on Sunday morning, crews reported the fire was well under control and spanned an area of four square metres.
"One fire engine remained at the scene to ensure the remaining hay burned safely."
An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are investigating following a fire started deliberately in Maldon.
"No-one and no animals have been injured and it is being treated as arson and our enquiries are ongoing.
"If you have any information about the incident please call Chelmsford CID on 101 quoting incident number 53 of 28/01."
Alternativley call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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