Farmer rescues 180 cattle as arson attack destroys barns on Marchwood Road in Eling, Totton

A FARMER rescued his cattle as Totton barns were destroyed in an arson attack, wrecking three tractors and hundreds of hay bales.

Police have launched an investigation into the blaze, which engulfed two outbuildings at a farm on Marchwood Road in Eling last Thursday evening.

The alarm was raised shortly before 9pm, with multiple 999 calls to the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service control room.

More than 500 bales of hay were stored in the affected barns, but 150 cattle housed nearby were moved away from the flames.

Three tractors were also caught up in the fire.

Dozens of firefighters were involved in battling to bring the inferno under control throughout the night.

Crews from Totton, Romsey, Hightown, Redbridge and St Mary’s were backed up by water carriers from Ringwood, Eastleigh and Fareham, the USAR telehandler vehicle and further support vehicles from SHQ and Beaulieu.

The road was closed due to the number of emergency services vehicles at the scene.

Relief crews from Lyndhurst, Fordingbridge, Hythe, Burley, Basingstoke, Cosham and Winchester took over later in the night.

The incident was scaled down, with remaining firefighters supervising the scene and allowing the fire to burn itself out safely.

Crews were still at the scene the following morning.

Police are urging people to come forward to help with their probe into the arson.

A Hampshire force spokesperson said: “The barn, and farming equipment inside, was completely destroyed by the fire.

“Fortunately, the farmer was able to move a number of cattle to safety and no animals were harmed.

“We are appealing for anyone with information about the fire to come forward.

“Were you in the area on Thursday evening? Did you see any vehicles in the area, or anyone acting suspiciously?”

Anyone with information should contact officers online via hampshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting 44240541406.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously via crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.