A FIRE service has issued a warning after it was called to hay bales which were set on fire in County Durham.

A crew from Consett were called to the fire in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street on Thursday.

A number of hay bales were on fire at the rear of Chester Burn Close at 10am.

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It is thought they are set alight deliberately.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "It is thought that this fire was started deliberately.

"Remember, our crews can't be in two places at once."

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to report it to FireStoppers anonymously by calling 0800 169 5558.

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