ARSONISTS have started farmyard fires causing damage running into thousands of pounds.

The firebugs have already struck three times this year at Whitehouse Farm, Craghead, near Stanley.

A recent attack destroyed 700 straw bales worth £5,000, along with farm equipment. The arsonists returned last week, but failed to ignite bales of silage.

Owner Keith Holmes, 34, whose family have farmed the land for three generations, said: "They obviously know what they are doing.

"We have two collie dogs who roam the farm at night and they have worked out how to avoid them."

He said the attacks were making it difficult for him to sleep. "Every time I hear the slightest noise, like the dogs barking or a car slowing down outside, I am up out of bed to see what is going on," he said.

Two other holdings next to Whitehouse Farm have also been targeted, resulting in a stable block being burned down.

Police and fire brigade community safety teams believe youths could be behind the arsons and fear they are risking death or serious injury by trespassing on farms.

Community safety officer PC Kevin Kilkenny said: "Farms are obviously very dangerous places.

"These stacks of bales are very high and someone could easily fall off or become trapped. If they are lighting fires as well, they could be in very serious danger."

PC Kilkenny added: "Parents must be aware of what their children are doing, especially around bonfire night and with the dark nights coming in.

"We don't want anyone to come to harm from playing with matches or fireworks."