Police are treating a blaze which kept firefighters at a farm for more than 36 hours as arson.

North Norfolk News: Police are treating a blaze at a farm on Bird's Lane in Southgate as arson. Picture: ArchantPolice are treating a blaze at a farm on Bird's Lane in Southgate as arson. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Five fire crews and a water carrier from Fakenham were originally sent to deal with a large haystack fire on Bird's Lane in Southgate, near Reepham, on Saturday, September 7.

Residents living as far as 10 miles away reported being able to see dark plumes of smoke billowing into the air, while another in Cawston said the fire looked "horrendous".

Firefighters tackled the worst of the blaze within a couple of hours, but remained at the farm until 10am on Monday to ensure the situation was completely safe.

The difficulty of their job was multiplied by the presence of several rubber tyres near to the haystack.

Officers believe the fire was started deliberately and an investigation is ongoing. They are encouraging anyone who may have relevant information to contact Norfolk Constabulary by calling 101.