POLICE are appealing for information after arsonists lit fires in a farmer’s field near Lanchester twice in a matter of days. Officers say someone went into a field off the Lanchester Valley Walk, near Dora’s Wood, on Monday, placed cut straw at the foot of a beech tree and set fire to it. Arsonists returned on Wednesday and set fire to straw, which spread to a neighbouring field. A police spokesman said: “These arsons have not only caused large amounts damage but have left the farmers without enough straw to feed their animals. Arson is a very serious offence which can easily get out of control and put lives in danger." Witnesses should call Durham Police on 101.