A BARN fire that took hold near Truro on Sunday afternoon is believed to be arson, the fire service has said.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service's Critical Control Centre said it began receiving what became 99 calls informing them of the barn alight at St Clement shortly before 4.30pm on Sunday.

Two fire engines from Truro and a further appliance from Falmouth attended and, on arrival, the first crew requested the attendance of a water carrier, which was then mobilised from Helston.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus, hose reels and covering jets to fight the flames of the barn, which measured 30 metres by 10 metres. The barn contained approximately 1,000 bales of hay.

Firefighters worked through the night and into Monday to tackle the fire.

They manaed to protect surrounding buildings, but the barn and hay was destroyed.

A water carrier and a crew from Truro remained on scene monitoring the fire.

Later, a fire service spokesperson said: "All appliances have left the incident, the cause of the fire is believed to be arson and police have been informed."