'Arsonists are a little like terrorists' - Shropshire farmer blasts those who set £3K of straw ablaze
A farmer has likened arsonists to terrorists after a stack of straw worth about £3,000 is believed to have been deliberately set alight.
Adrian Marsh, from Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, has spoken of his anger and frustration following the latest in a long line of similar incidents.
Two fire crews spent the night battling the flames and the road remained closed while the blaze was dealt with.
Mr Marsh, who is also an agricultural contractor, said: "I am feeling a bit frustrated.
"Arsonists are a little like terrorists – they like to damage and destroy things without anyone knowing who has done it.
"I have had about 12 fires in the last 15 years – its rubbish.
"I lost £130,000 in 2009 in terms of lost straw and buildings. This time it's about 65 tonne of straw worth about £3,000.
"A lot of businesses worry about theft but us farmers have to worry about theft and things setting on fire.
"There are things we can do such as putting the stuff behind a security gate and put a camera on it."
Daniel Butler, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "On October 22 at around 1.30am a suspected arson took place by Rosehill Road, near Market Drayton.
"It is believed that a car pulled up next to a stack of bales of hay before the fire and then drove off after the fire had started.
"The road was closed in both directions whilst emergency services attended the scene. There were no injuries."
Mr Marsh added: "We can only hope that they get caught red-handed soon and then it can all stop.
"There have been quite a few fires in the area so we definitely need clues in regards to the vehicles and the people seen in the area to see if we can get a pattern."
Anyone with information is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident 0069 of October 22.
Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via the website www.crimestoppers-uk.org
