Police warn of suspected TikTok farm arson trend

Police have warned farmers to be on high alert after a suspected TikTok challenge encouraging people to “set fire to as much stuff as possible” emerged alongside a series of suspected deliberate attacks on hay and straw stacks across northern England.

West Mercia Police has urged farming organisations to alert members to the potential threat, following what it described as a recent spate of overnight arson attacks targeting haystacks.

In a message circulated to the farming community, the force said: “Following a recent spate of overnight arson attacks on hay stacks in the north of England there appears to be a TikTok challenge to ‘set fire to as much stuff as possible’.

See also: Seven blazes trigger farm arson warning in Cambridgeshire

“I know the farming community will be aware of the dangers of the dry weather but if it is possible to send out a message to all your members to be extra vigilant.”

The warning comes as Humberside Police investigates six suspected deliberate bale fires reported overnight on Thursday 30 July across North Lincolnshire.

Officers from the force’s Rural Task Force were called to fires at East Butterwick, Messingham, Susworth and Kirton in Lindsey.

Detectives believe the blazes may have been started deliberately and are appealing for information.

Police say two dark-coloured vehicles were reported acting suspiciously in the area, while quad bike tracks were also found close to some of the affected stacks.

Anyone who was in the area between midnight and 3am, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage, is being urged to contact Humberside Police quoting Log 16 of 30 July 2026.

Spate of incidents

The incidents are the latest in a growing number of suspected deliberate fires affecting farmland during the recent spell of hot, dry weather.

Last week, Nottinghamshire Police launched an investigation after about 1,200 hay bales were destroyed in a major overnight fire near Saxondale Island, close to Bingham. The blaze is being treated as suspected arson.

A suspected arson attack on straw bales on a farm in North Lincolnshire © Humberside Police

Earlier this month, West Yorkshire Police arrested two suspects after fields were deliberately set alight near Heckmondwike.

Nottinghamshire Police is also investigating a deliberately started fire that caused about £10,000 worth of damage to crops in a cornfield near Nuthall.

The latest incidents come as fire services continue to warn that exceptionally dry conditions have left crops, grassland and stored forage highly vulnerable to ignition.

Police are encouraging farmers to review CCTV coverage, report suspicious vehicles or activity immediately and, where practical, increase overnight vigilance around hay and straw stores while investigations continue.