Police are appealing for witnesses after several incidents of farmland deliberately being set on fire.

Cleveland Police said it has received reports of ignitions to straw bales and farmland in the Seamer/Hilton area, near Stokesley, between 4pm and 5pm on Saturday, July 30.

Officers have already spoken to several people – but believe there are other witnesses who have not yet spoken to police, and are appealing for them to come forward as they may be able to help with ongoing inquiries.

A statement from the force added: “Our fire brigade colleagues attended at the time and extinguished the fires and thankfully there was limited damage, however this could have ended up much worse.

“A number of youths were seen in the area at the time, and they left the scene as emergency services arrived.”

Any witnesses or other people with information are urged to contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number quoting ref 133614.

If you do not want to speak to police, information can be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111.

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