Detectives have launched a witness appeal following a suspected arson attack on farmland in a rural village near Dover.
Emergency services were called to Station Road in St Margaret’s at Cliffe shortly after seven o’clock on Tuesday evening following reports that a large stack of hay bales had been set ablaze. Crews worked extensively alongside local officers to tackle the flames and bring the fire under control.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and a significant number of livestock were successfully moved away from the danger zone to safety.
Investigators are treating the cause of the fire as suspicious, and active inquiries remain ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed unusual activity in the area, or who possesses relevant private CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact the investigating team directly on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/136496/26. Anonymous reports can also be submitted to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or via their website.
Inspector Paul Barrell from Dover’s Community Safety Unit said:
‘This fire has had a devastating impact on the local community, with early estimated costs to rural business exceeding £100,000.
‘It is thanks to the swift actions of officers, firefighters, local residents and volunteers at the scene that the consequences were not worse.’