A FIRE which destroyed all the hay on a Purton farm was probably started deliberately, say the fire brigade and police.

The blaze, which started on Tuesday at 6.30pm in an isolated barn at the Quarry Farm wrecked £1,500 worth of hay.

Farmer Jonathan Cook, 32, whose father owns the farm said the fire is a big financial blow to the family.

"I just can't understand how somebody could do something like that," he said.

"A lot of work went into producing that hay and now it has all been destroyed.

"It's especially bad in the current climate when the farming industry is already on its knees."

Five fire engines from across Swindon fought the blaze throughout the night but could not save any of the hay.

Station officer Ian Jeary, of Swindon fire brigade, said: "There was no electrical equipment or hazardous chemicals in the barn.

"The only assumption we can make is that there was a deliberate ignition."

If anyone has any information they should contact Swindon police on 01793 528 111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.