POLICE are investigating a spate of recent arson attacks on farmland that have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The latest fire, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, on Tuesday evening, saw 160 bales of straw destroyed.

They were worth about £3,000.

The blaze was started in Newsham Grange Farm, on the A167, to the south of the town, at about 8.30pm Previous incidents include a fire which took place overnight on January 25, in Danby Wiske Road, Northallerton.

Two hayricks containing loose hay were set alight.

On December 19, 200 bales of hay were destroyed at a farm in New Road, Hessay, near York.

As a result of the fire, smoke caused traffic disruption on the A59, which runs past the farm.

Damage valued at £8,000 was caused when 400 bales of hay were deliberately set on fire at some time before 6.45pm on November 7 last year, at High Merrybent Farm, in Melsonby, near Richmond.

PC Quita Passmore, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "Apart from costing the farmers, whose property they are destroying, many thousands of pounds the arsonists are putting themselves and those tackling the fires at risk."

"I urge anyone who knows anything about any of these fires to contact me as I need to speak to the them at the earliest opportunity."

PC Passmore can be contacted on 0845-60-60-24-7, quoting reference number 12110017738.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.