Farm fire destroys £2m of fuel and equipment

A suspected arson attack on a South Yorkshire farm has destroyed buildings and equipment worth more than £2m.

Two men were spotted running away from Brecks Lane Farm, East Herringthorpe, shortly before the fire was discovered at 4.20pm on Saturday 6 August.

The blaze was so intense it took 30 firefighters using six engines, three days to put it out. Two buildings housing tractors, combines and trailers, along with bales of silage and straw, were completely destroyed, according to a spokesman for South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.

The buildings also contained 2,500 litres of diesel fuel and the fire crews ordered nearby roads to be closed and local residents to stay indoors.

A South Yorkshire police spokeswoman added that the two men had run in the direction of Herringthorpe and the fire was being treated as deliberate.

Police have appealed for information regarding the incident.

Call 01142 202020, quoting the reference “969 August 6”.

Calls can be made in confidence to the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555111.

Visit Farmers Weekly’s Crime Register for a map of incidents and offences across the UK.