'Tragic' barn arson condemned by police

Police have made a fresh appeal for information over a "tragic" arson attack that saw a barn set on fire in Whitby.

About 300 bales of straw were stored in the barn, in the Green Lane area, when it went up in flames at 19:00 GMT on 23 March.

North Yorkshire Police said farming machinery and a dog kennel area had also been destroyed, causing "tens of thousands of pounds" of damage.

PC Jonathan Formstone said the impact of the arson had been "immeasurable" to the owners and local community.

"In my 10 years of serving the public of Whitby, never have I encountered such a tragic loss to property as these circumstances," he said.

"The community of Whitby can pride itself on how tight-knit a community it is, and how they all pull together in times of need.

"This was absolutely evident on the night, with many people attending to lend a hand."

Appealing for anyone with information to come forward, PC Formstone said: "This destructive act will not be tolerated, and the fear instilled into local communities through such shocking behaviour must be addressed."

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