Search for man who set stack on fire

POLICE are hunting for a man who caused a huge fire which saw a large number of bales of hay and part of a field destroyed.

A man was spotted by a passing motorist deliberately starting the fire in a field near Swadlincote, which destroyed part of the field and the bales of hay in it, police have said.

The incident happened on Monday, August 30, with officers called out to reports of a man in the field off Caldwell Lane. The witness saw the man starting the fire and called officers, a police spokesman said.

Derbyshire police have now launched an appeal to find the man responsible, who was driving a dark-coloured Mitsubishi 4x4 vehicle.

They have issued an appeal to anyone who was in the area and may have dashcam footage of the incident or may have caught the car they are looking for.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire police said: “Part of a field, along with a number of hay bales, were set on fire near Swadlincote.

“Officers were called to reports that a man had been seen deliberately setting light to the field off Caldwell Lane at around 5pm on Monday, August 30.

“The suspect, who was driving a dark Mitsubishi 4x4, was seen to light the fire by a man driving a small white car.

“Officers want to speak to this man, who they believe has information that may be able to assist with their investigation, as well as any other driver who were in the area. Of particular interest is any vehicles that are fitted with dashcams and may have captured footage of the incident taking place.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Derbyshire police quoting reference 21*504118.