A straw bale was deliberately set alight on a freshly harvested field in west Suffolk causing a further ten bales to catch fire.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the arson incident in Great Barton, near Bury St Edmunds, around 4.50pm on Saturday, July 14.

The incident happened in a field near Nacton Lane and the B1106 Mill Road.

Sgt Brian Calver from Suffolk Constabulary’s rural crime team, said: “Farmers should ensure they store straw bales in small stacks and also keep them away from public access areas, ideally out of sight.

“Stacks should also be brought into barns as soon as possible.”

Mark Hardingham, chief fire officer for Suffolk Fire and Rescue, said: “With the extreme hot and dry weather to continue, the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service encourages everyone to be extra vigilant.

“Be aware of fire risks when you are out in the open, especially near to standing crop, crop stubble or trees and undergrowth, all of which is currently tinder dry.”

Officers would be keen to speak to two young people who were believed to be in the area at the time of the incident, or anyone who may have any information.

Contact Sgt Brian Calver on 101, quoting incident number 39272/18 or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.