Police appeal for witnesses after barn fire in Seaton.

An investigation is under way following a suspected arson attack in Seaton.

Police and fire crews were called to the resort in the early hours of yesterday (Tuesday) and found a small barn alight near the cemetery in Colyford Road.

A police spokesman said: “At this time, the incident is being investigated as arson.”

One fire appliance from Seaton was sent to the scene after Devon and Somerset Fire Service received reports of flames coming from the location at 12.27am.

Commander Holland was the officer in charge during the incident.

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “The derelict barn was well alight and firefighters spent two hours trying to extinguish the fire using hose reel jets to make sure it did not spread to any neighbouring buildings.

“We would agree with the police that it should be treated as arson and ask people with any information to contact them.”

He added: “It was a reasonably, small barn fire, but these can be big incidents for us and we do treat them very seriously.”

The spokesman confirmed that no one was in the building at the time of the fire.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward and anyone with information is urged to call police on the new non-emergency telephone number 101, quoting the crime reference 31041011.

The fire service has issued some advice on how to protect buildings from acts of arson:

Make sure gates are secured and locked at night.

Install light sensors and possibly CCTV cameras and burglar alarms where expensive equipment may be stored.

Try and place new buildings away from roads.