FARMERS and landowners in Howden and Pocklington have been urged to remain vigilant following a spate of fires in the area.

Two hay bale fires were reported at Skirpenbeck in the early hours of Thursday. A total of 480 bales were set on fire.

Sgt Peter Rogers, of the Howden and Pocklington Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We’re asking landowners, those working the land and those passing through rural areas, particularly in the early hours, to be vigilant and report suspicious vehicles and people to Humberside Police on 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.”

Landowners have been urged to survey their premises to identify areas where an arsonist could strike, to remove hay and straw from fields as soon as possible, and store them away from other buildings.