FIRE investigators are appealing for information after a wooden barn containing baled hay was destroyed in a blaze.

The fire, on agricultural premises off the B6279 Ingleton Road, near Staindrop, on Friday October 15, is now believed to have been started deliberately.

Fire crews from Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle responded to the call reporting the burning barn shortly after 7.40pm.

On arrival they found the timber and tin-made barn, plus a number of hay bales, well alight.

Using hose reels they managed to bring it under control and the incident was concluded at about 11am, by which time the barn and about 60 to 70 bales of hay were destroyed.

With the cause now considered to have been a deliberate act, the public have been asked to assist the inquiry.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Firestoppers, either online, via www.firestoppersreport.co.uk, or by ringing the Firestoppers’ line, anonymously, on 0800-169 5558.

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