AN arson investigation has been launched after a devastating fire at a farm in Kempsey.

Police say they believe someone set fire to an out building at Middle Broomhall Farm, off the A38 in Kempsey, at around 4pm on Saturday, June 3 as a "callous and selfish act".

No-one was injured in the incident but the building which contained 100 bails of hay and a variety of farmyard machinery was destroyed by the fire.

Investigating officer, PC Peters of Evesham Police Station, said "I attended the scene and saw at first hand the devastation this incident has caused the farmer and his family.

"This tragedy was completely unnecessary and will grossly affect the livelihood of the farmer.

"We believe the fire is the result of a callous and selfish act by an individual or group of individuals.

"I appeal to them and hope they realise that the right thing to do is come forward and take responsibility for their actions."

Officers say they are keeping an open mind as to the cause of the fire but are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw people acting suspiciously in the area at the time.

We reported how owners, William Acock and Elsa Hignett, both aged 26, rushed to Middle Broomhall Farm, from their home after hearing a building on the site, which contained hay and various farm machinery, was on fire.

Mr Acock said they hope the arsonists who "caused chaos" can be caught.

Around 20 cattle had to be evacuated when the fire took hold.

Firefighters battled the blaze and were at the scene for more than 24 hours.

The remaining 20 cattle were moved to another building, which was ventilated to ensure the cattle did not breath in the smoke from the fire.

A spokesman from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews were called at 4pm and we had five fire engines and a water carrier from Evesham attend.

"The barn was well alight.

"Firefighters used a hose reel jet, and a positive pressure ventilation system to protect nearby buildings and live stock.

"Crews remained to dampen down, and it was scaled back until the last engine left at 9.51pm on Sunday."

Mr Acock said: "It is devastating - they have caused chaos.

"The machinery included spreaders, mowers, trailers and attachments, I'd guess around £30,000 worth if it was replaced new.

"I'm trying to sort it all out, I can't really process what has happened.

"I can't believe how much damage there is.

"It will need to be assessed, but I'm sure it will be structurally unsafe. We don't know when we will be able to go back."

Miss Hignett, who Mr Acock is set to marry later this year, wrote on Facebook: "You wake up to think surely it was a nightmare, but no our barn is gone hay, machinery all gone.

"Thankfully all our livestock are safe and well after the rescue mission.

"A massive thank you to Hereford and Worcester Fire Service and a huge thank you to our friends, family and neighbours who came and helped."

Anyone with information is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting incident number 520s of 3 June 2017