SEVENTY pedigree pheasants and two ferrets were killed when arsonists attacked a Sutton farm in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

They set alight a corrugated tin shed, known locally as the tin tabernacle, which contained hay bales, agricultural equipment and animal pens.

Farmer Herbert Riley lost his vintage Fergie 35 tractor, a hay machine, a large number of hay bales and other agricultural equipment in the blaze.

Firefighters were called to the shed, on land at the top of West Lane, at around 3.24am, and spent seven hours tackling the blaze. It could be seen across the valley.

Five engines were dispatched - two from Skipton, two from Silsden and one from Ripon - with a further engine from Harrogate relieving the firefighters. A water bowser was sent from Tadcaster.

During the operation, three gas canisters stored in the shed exploded.

Mr Riley's son Chris, of Bent Lane Farm, told the Herald that the agricultural buildings had been broken into five times in the last fortnight.

"They really came with a vengeance this time," he said.

He said he had lost a number of hand tools and farming equipment in the thefts and had been fed up with replacing the locks on the building.

"I can accept the thieving but to set fire to it is well out of order. I feel so frustrated," he added.

He had been alerted to the blaze by his milkman.

Mr Riley said that his father had spent 70 years building up the business and would be devastated when he found out.

Detective Constable Pete Elliott from Skipton CID has confirmed that police were linking the earlier break-ins with Tuesday's blaze.

He said that the buildings were forced open by the culprit to gain entry but as yet the cause of the fire had not been established.

He asked that anyone with any information contact Skipton police on 01756 793377, or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.