Shrewsbury field fire treated as arson
Police believe a fire which partly destroyed a field of corn stubble in Shrewsbury yesterday was deliberately started.
About one-quarter of a 20-acre field off Dale Road in Monkmoor was damaged in the blaze between 12pm and 2pm yesterday. A section of hedgerow was also damaged.
Police believe the initial fire may have been in a wheelie bin found in the field, although the stubble may also have been set alight separately.
The fire service dealt with the incident which resulted in traffic on Telford Way being stopped for a short time for safety reasons due to the heavy smoke.
Police Constable Kerry Hawkins, the investigating officer, said: "It is being treated as arson and I am appealing for witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious in the fields, to call Shrewsbury police station on 0300 333 3000".
She added: "There are a number of properties adjoining the fields in this location which could have been at risk as the flames spread very quickly in such fires when conditions are so dry."
