Four tonnes of hay bales were set alight at a Banstead farm over the weekend.

Crews from Banstead, Woking and Leatherhead fire stations spent more than four hours soaking every inch of the burning bales at Canons Farm on Sunday, August 28.

Firefighters were called to the farm in Canon Lane, Banstead at about 4.15pm and stayed until about 8.30pm.

It is believed the fire may have been started deliberately.

A spokesman from Banstead fire station said: “The farmer had stacked a few tonnes of hay bales to stop people getting in, but it appears someone damaged them and got in.”

Surrey Police are now investigating the circumstances of the fire.

“It is a dirty, hard job dealing with hay bales,” a spokesman from Banstead fire station explained.

“You have to pull them apart and soak every inch of them.”

A Surrey Police spokeswoman said: "Officers are currently investigating the circumstances of the fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately. 

"Officers carried out an extensive area search and are carrying out a number of enquiries with eye witnesses. We are also continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident."

To offer information, call Surrey Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 45160075209, or you can report online at http://www.surrey.police.uk/contact-us/report-online/

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.