Investigation begins as police warn South Milford hay bale fire set 'deliberately'

Fire crews are investigating after a Yorkshire blaze thought to have been set deliberately spread from hay bales to a neighbouring field.

Farmers joined firefighters from across Tadcaster, Acomb, Selby and Pontefract to help at South Milford on Friday evening after a fire was reported from 6pm.

Police have now confirmed the fire was started deliberately, with fire crews saying it spread quickly to destroy 15 acres of field.

In a statement issued by North Yorkshire Police, a spokesperson said it was brought under control quickly with the assistance of landowners and crews.

Officers are now calling on the public for help, if they may have seen what happened.

"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, dash-cam, or mobile footage from the area that could help identify those responsible," they said. "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."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, reference 12260147261.