POLICE are appealing for information about four suspected arsons in West Berkshire following large haystack fire near Farnborough.

Firefighters were called to a large haystack fire in Copperage Road near Farnborough, at around 3.30am yesterday and spent more than 12 hours battling the blaze.

Police have now launched an investigation into the cause of the fire following three similar suspected arsons this month. The first was in Winterbourne Road, outside Newbury, at around 10pm on Monday, August 18, the second in an unnamed road near Newbury at around 1am on Sunday and the last in Templeton Road, near Kintbury, at around 6pm on Monday.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Bethany French from Newbury CID stressed it was too early to establish if all the fires are linked but said every avenue of enquiry is being looked into.

She added: “I would urge residents in rural communities to be vigilant, to watch out for suspicious vehicles or people, and to report anything unusual to us via the 101 enquiry line.

“I would also advise farmers to stack hay in smaller piles if possible, to avoid a fire spreading to a large pile of hay.”

Witnesses who saw anything suspicious or have any information about the incidents should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.