A SERIES of fires to hay bales and barns have been deliberately set by criminals say police.

Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service are investigating four barn and hay bale fires on farm locations in Beddingham, Alfriston, Tarring Neville and Litlington.

The incidents have occurred between November 2 and 7.

Police confirmed in a statement this evening that the fires have been "deliberately set by suspects targeting roadside barns and hay bale stocks".

Local Neighbourhood Response officers are working with both the police Rural Crime Team and the Fire Service.

Sergeant Jon Attfield from the Rural Crime Team said: "This is a highly destructive crime that impacts our farming community and livestock supplies.

"Both we and Fire & Rescue are investigating and actively working on lines of enquiry relating to suspects and vehicles seen in the areas of the fires.

"Rural Crime Team officers are also visiting local farms to discuss these disturbing incidents, and we have dedicated patrols in place, working with other policing resources."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police either online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1077 of 07/11.

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