Police were called in to help investigate a fire which tore through a barn near Maldon.
Officers were called to reports of a barn containing 300 tonnes of hay on fire in Manor Road, Woodham Walter, at about 1am on Sunday.
No animals or people were hurt in the blaze, which is being treated as arson.
Firefighters from Maldon and Witham had been called just before midnight to the building, measuring about 30m by 80m.
The building was badly damaged by the fire – the cause of which will be subject to a full investigation.
At 8.22am, crews reported that the fire was well under control and spanned an area of four square metres.
One fire engine remained at the scene to ensure the remaining hay burned out safely.
Anyone with information should call Chelmsford CID on 101 quoting incident number 53 of 28/01 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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