Arson attack on 66,000 tonnes of straw in Cambridgeshire

Arsonists are suspected of setting more than 66,000 tonnes of straw on fire in eight separate blazes in Cambridgeshire. 

Up to 16,000 tonnes have been on fire in Mepal since Tuesday night.

A further 50,000 tonnes is now understood to be on fire in a field off the A142 at Witcham Toll near Ely, said Cambridgeshire Fire Service.

The smoke from the fires can be seen from almost 30 miles away. The stack is expected to burn for several days.

The fire service commander co-ordinating the operation said he believed the fires were "suspicious".

Police said they had sealed off the area at Witcham Toll which they were treating as a "scene of crime".      Full Read