Video: Merseyside police hunt three men over farm fire

Merseyside Police have issued CCTV footage of three males they would like to talk to as part of an investigation into a suspicious farm fire.

The fire broke out in stored bales at Home Farm, Chapel Lane, Rainhill, on Sunday 20 August at 4:40pm.

Nobody was injured in the fire but agricultural machinery, straw and hay bales, suffered extensive damage, according to a police spokesman.

See also: Arson attack prompts warning to keep straw stacks safe

The spokesman added that the fire was being treated as “suspected malicious” and the CCTV footage had been released as part of the inquiry.

The footage shows three males entering the enclosed farm yard prior to the fire starting.

Moments later smoke and flames can be seen rising from the barn.

Police believe the males could have information that may assist the investigation.

Detective inspector Jason Pye said: “The fire caused a significant amount of damage to machinery in the barn.

“Thankfully, nobody was injured but this was obviously an upsetting incident for the farm owner.

“We are currently looking to trace three males who were seen in the area.

“CCTV shows them walking around the main farm area shortly before the fire is believed to have started in the barn.”

Anyone with any information about the identity of the three males or has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 6812 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.