An angry farmer has blasted young arsonists who destroyed thousands of pounds worth of straw
About 500 large round bales were lost in the blaze at Walton Hall Farm, which also set fire to a mains electricity pole.
Fire crews from Frinton, Clacton, Manningtree, Weeley and Brightlingsea fought the fire throughout the night and were still damping down today
Firemen at the scene of the blaze
The fire destroyed 300 tonnes of straw near historic farm buildings, off Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze and the smoke and flames could be seen for miles.
Farmer David Eagle, who also farms at Kirby, said he was exasperated but, short of putting razor wire up and electric fences around vulnerable farm buildings and essential winter feed, it was impossible to stop youngsters getting on to the land and playing.
Mr Eagle, whose family has farmed in the area for 100 years, said: "I don't know what the answer is."
Frinton fire officer Colin Batten confirmed the blaze was being treated as suspicious.
Police are investigating the fire which was first reported just after 2pm yesterday
Published Tuesday October 29, 2002
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