FIFTY tons of baled hay went up in flames as arsonists targeted a barn at Latton Farm, Latton Street, Harlow.

More than 30 emergency calls were made alerting crews to the blaze at 9.40pm last Tuesday. Two Harlow fire crews and one from Old Harlow tackled the flames.

An open-sided dutch barn containing the hay, fertiliser and unknown farm chemicals was well alight when crews arrived. A noxious and toxic smoke was pouring from the building.

A Harlow firefighter who was involved in the effort to contain the blaze and protect other farm buidlings and machinery, said the toxic fumes and wind direction proved challenging.

Crews were forced to tackle the blaze from upwind, though the barn fire was so well fuelled there was no chance of saving it.

He added: 'We had to have covering jets to douse the surrounding buildings, a house and other vehicles in order to save them.'

Relief crews remained on the scene overnight and into last Wednesday to allow the fire to burn itself out.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the blaze, or anyone who was nearby at the time, to call Harlow CID on 641212.