Arson suspected

NORTH BARN IS GUTTED IN FIRE ATTACK

Reporter SILHOUETTED against roaring flames, a firefighter tackles a suspected arson attack which left a North farmer devastated.

Helpless David Walker, 65, looked on in horror as 400 bales of straw, a tractor, trailer, fertiliser spreader and a grain bin were destroyed in the blaze.

Dozens of firefighters took more than 24 hours to distinguish the fire at Satley Farm, Satley, near Lanchester, in County Durham on Wednesday.

The blaze was only feet away from a barn containing cattle.

Mr Walker said: “It has had a drastic impact on us. We are all absolutely gutted.

“We’ve never had anything like this happen to us before and it’s been difficult to comprehend.”

The farm has been in Mr Walker’s family for generations after his greatgrandfather started it in 1880.

Mr Walker said: “It will take a while but we will build it back up, we will

keep going, we have to for my son and grandchildren.

“My granddaughter who is 14 and grandson who is two already love anything to do with farming.”

Durham Constabulary has now launched an investigation into the suspected arson attack.

A spokesman said: “Hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused.

“This is somebody’s livelihood which has gone up in flames.

“We would encourage anyone with information in regards to the fire or who saw any suspicious activity in the area at the time to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101 quoting the incident number 455 of November 22 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.