A farmer has spoken of his frustration after arsonists are believed to have torched 100 tonnes of straw.

Father-of-three Gavin Strathern lost about £5,000 worth of straw in a blaze off Chelmsford Road, Woodham Mortimer, on Sunday.

Police are investigating after two men were seen running away from the scene.

Mr Strathern, who has farmed in the Maldon area all his life, said several straw fires are started every year in the district.

He said: “It’s needless.

“The people who do it don’t realise who much trouble they cause.

“It’s the second time in the space of a year that I have had a fire."

If you have any information that could help police with their investigation, call the non-emergency number 101.

 

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