Police search for arsonists after barn fire

At the height of the blaze, which broke out just before 11pm on Bank Holiday Monday (August 25), around 40 firefighters from across East Sussex were battling the flames.

Firefighters from Herstmonceux were first on the scene and were soon joined by two crews from Battle and crews from Hastings, Broad Oak, Burwash, Bexhill, Heathfield, Eastbourne and Uckfield fire stations.

The barn, which measured around 30x40 metres squared, contained hay bales and farm machinery, which were destroyed in the fire.

Firefighters spent the night at Oak Bank Farm in Farthing Lane, trying to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings, housing cattle and offices.

No one was injured in the incident and no animals are believed to have come to harm.

It is not yet known how the fire started, but Sussex Police say they believe the blaze was started deliberately.

An investigation has been launched.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “Police were made aware of a fire at Oak Bank Farm, Ashburnham around 11.20pm on Monday (August 25).

“The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101.

Alternatively you contact the independent charity Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.