POLICE have renewed their appeal for people on the Somerset Levels to be vigilant after a spate of fires on farmland that appear to be “more than a coincidence”.

Officers have increased patrols and are working with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to tackle the problem.

They are looking at a potential link bewteen barn fires in Stoke St Gregory and Long Sutton; the destruction of hay and thatching grass in two fires in Curry Rivel; and a telegraph pole in Queen Camel.

No-one was injured in the incidents, which occured between Sunday, September 21 and Monday, September 29, although livestock had to be moved to safety in the Stoke St Gregory blaze.

Neighbourhood Sgt Dean Hamilton said: “Both we and the fire crews are concerned that this is more than a coincidence.

“We are working closely together with the fire service and would ask the local community to let us know of anything which could help us.

“The fire service is putting information boards out and local farmers are being offered advice on securing their property.

“If these fire are being deliberately started I would beg that anyone who knows who is responsible gets in touch either through our website or by calling 101 quoting reference number 99717/14.”

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111 anonymously.

DSFRS station manager Martin Lock said: “We are working with the police and other partners including the National Farmers Union to investigate and to give safety advice to the farming community.”