Two arrests after fire involving 200 tonnes of hay

Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson after firefighters tackled a blaze involving about 200 tonnes of hay bales.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Rendlesham Lane in Campsea Ashe at about 20:37 BST on Thursday.

Suffolk Police said it attended Ivy Lodge Road at 20:40 the same day after reports that two youths had deliberately set fire to hay bales, which had spread to surrounding fields.

The fire service said four appliances were initially called out to the incident, and two appliances from Aldeburgh and Orford remained as the fire was ongoing.

The force said a 14-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy, both from the Woodbridge area, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of arson.

They were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and have been released on bail.

The girl is due to respond to bail on 15 September and the boy on 16 September.

Farm machinery was used to help create a fire break in the stack, the fire service added.

Dave Ellard, fire crew manager, said firefighters would remain at the scene for a "considerable amount of time" to ensure the hay was dampened down correctly and would not reignite.

It happened next to a sunflower field, and crews were working to ensure it would not spread to this area.

"It's turned out to be a large stack fire of hay, which is about 200 tonnes," Mr Ellard added.

"It is unknown at this time as to how it started, that will be work ongoing with the brigade, police and farmer.

"I think realistically you're looking [at it burning] for another 24 hours."

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