POLICE believe a farm fire near Stow was started deliberately.

Hay bales inside a barn were set alight at around 6pm on Sunday at the farm between the village and Threepwood.

Significant damage was caused to the barn and its contents, which included farm machinery.

The total value of the damage is still being established.

Detective Sergeant Stevie Halls from Galashiels CID said: “This has been a reckless act that has caused a considerable amount of damage to property and goods.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were able to contain and put out the flames and thankfully no-one was injured as a result.

“I would ask anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area prior to the blaze to come forward to assist with our investigations.

“Equally anyone who knows who is responsible or has information that can help with our inquiries is asked to get in touch.”

Anyone with information are asked to contact Galashiels Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 3029 of January 28.

Alternatively a report can be submitted to the charity Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.