A hayshed fire thought to have been started deliberately has destroyed more than £250,000 of property on a farm near Melrose, Scotland.
Local reports state that three people were seen running away from the scene of the incident where hay, straw, fencing equipment, trailers and machinery implements were set alight.
Malcolm Kelly, who runs the farm, told The Border Telegraph he was lucky the flames had not spread to his house which neighbours the shed.
Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as arson.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police in the Scottish Borders are investigating following a suspicious fire at a farm in Melrose.
“The incident happened around 4:15am on Saturday, December 29 at a property situated near to the Borders General Hospital.
Several hundred hay bales and farm machinery were all destroyed as a result of the fire and inquiries are continuing to identify those responsible.
“Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on ‘101’, quoting incident number ‘698 of December 29’, or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800-555-111.”
