(Image: Supplied)
A FIRE set in a North Yorkshire field yesterday evening is believed to be deliberate.
North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information following a fire involving several hay bales in fields close to Milford Road, South Milford at around 6pm yesterday (July 31).
As reported by The Press this morning, firefighters were called in after a small fire spread to 15 acres of field.
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North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service says its crews from Tadcaster, Acomb, Selby, and a West Yorkshire crew from Pontefract were called to Milford Road, South Milford at exactly 6pm last night (July 31) after a haybale fire to 15 acres of field.
“Following information obtained during enquiries and an assessment of the scene, it is the professional opinion of investigating officers that the fire was started deliberately.
“Thankfully, with the swift assistance of the landowners and crews from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished, preventing further damage and reducing the risk of the fire spreading to surrounding land.
“Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in incidents of this nature recently. Deliberately setting fire to hay bales not only causes significant financial loss to farmers but also presents a serious risk to life, property, livestock, and the wider countryside, particularly during periods of warm and dry weather,” said a spokesperson for the force.
If you were in the area and witnessed any suspicious activity, have footage, or have any information which may assist our investigation or help police identity those responsible, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Please quote incident reference number 12260147261.