TWO lambs died when arsonists set light to hay bales in a barn.

Thirty-eight other lambs inside the building in Pattenden Lane at Marden, near Maidstone, survived the blaze.

Electrical equipment being held in a nearby lorry was also damaged in the fire which is thought to have started shortly after 8pm on Tuesday. Total cost of the damage is estimated at £15,000.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control before it could cause structural damage to the barn.

Police are now urging the owners of barns and outbuildings to be extra vigilant. Insp Ian Sandwell said: "I would like to issue a warning to local farmers and land owners to be on their guard for any suspicious activity.

"Although this may have just been an act of mindless violence, it caused extensive damage and without the quick actions of both police and fire officers the outcome could have been far more severe."

Anyone who may have information is being urged to contact police on 01622 690690 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – this call is free and confidential.

Stuart Skilton, Kent Fire and Rescue Service's head of community safety, said: "We want to get the message across that that arson is a crime, not just harmless fun, and deliberate fires are destructive and dangerous.

"It can be a matter of life and death. Fire setters are putting themselves, and others, at serious risk.

"They have the potential to divert valuable fire-fighting resources away from other incidents such as house fires or road traffic collisions where lives may be in danger.”