Barn and contents go up in smoke (From Stroud News and Journal)

Barn and contents go up in smoke

A FARMER and his wife are counting the cost of a suspected arson attack which destroyed £12,000-worth of hay and straw and a barn.

Fire crews arrived at Ellis's Farm, Longney just after 4.30pm on Sunday but it was too late to save the bales and the barn.

They had to remove side panels to encourage the fire to burn itself out and spent Sunday and Monday damping down.

Owners Roger and Mary Godwin believe the fire might have been started by youngsters.

"We've found children in the barn before and I've thrown them out," she said. "Farms are dangerous places and they should not be there."

Police are treating the cause of the blaze as doubtful and anyone with any information is asked to get in touch.