WITNESSSES are being sought after a barn blaze in Broadmayne caused more than £2,000-worth of damage.

The fire was started between 7pm and 8.25pm on Saturday, April 18 and, following the attack, a 24-year-old Bournemouth man and a 17-year-old Bournemouth girl have been arrested and released on police bail while inquiries continue.

Four fire crews from Dorchester, Maiden Newton and Weymouth tackled the fires for almost six hours.

This was the second arson attack on Glebe Farm in recent years and bales of hay were completely destroyed. The barn sustained minimal damage.

Following the blaze, in Chalky Lane, farmer Eric Sealey branded the arsonists ‘attempted murderers’ because of how close the fire came to his pregnant heifer cows, worth around £50,000.

Now Detective Constable Ed Meanwell of Weymouth CID is appealing for passers-by or witnesses to come forward.

He said: “We were informed by a witness that a man was seen lighting a fire by the side of Chalky Road just before we received reports that a barn was alight in the adjacent field.

“I would like to speak to anyone else that remembers seeing a man collecting wood or lighting fires in Broadmayne on Saturday evening.

“I would particularly like to speak to a man who was in a silver Ford Focus or Fiesta in the area because I believe he may be able to help me with inquiries.”

Witnesses can contact DC Meanwell on 01305 222222.