AN ESTIMATED £30,000 worth of damage was caused in a suspected arson attack in Cumbria last night.

Police said the blaze, which began at around 6pm, had destroyed a barn full of straw.

Firefighters were called to the fire, in Mealsgate, Wigton, and used two hose reel jets and a ground monitor to tackle the fire.

A light portable pump was used to pump from the open water and cooling jets were used to protect the farm building.

Police are appealing to information about a small maroon or burgundy coloured Vauxhall car seen in the area at the time time.

They said the vehicle had distinstive balck wheels which has previously been sighted in Aspatria. 

Anyone with information call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.