Owner of popular play farm targeted by arsonists with lives of 400 pigs put at risk urges parents to educate children on fire dangers

The Pink Pig farm, in Holme, near Scunthorpe, was targeted on Friday evening when a group of teenagers are alleged to have set fire to some hay bales, located within 100 metres of 400 pigs and piglets, as well as the farm's popular play barn area.

Owner Sally Jackson said: "I have a teenage boy myself and I know how difficult it is bringing kids up, but I would just urge parents to tell their children about the dangers of starting fires and how quickly they can spread.

"I'd also urge parents to keep an eye on where their children are on an evening and who they are with, especially during lockdown. This could really have been so much worse than it was.

"It is the last thing we need at the minute, especially with lockdown and the fact we have only been able to open fully for one month out of the last 12."

Mrs Jackson was alerted to the fire just after 6.30pm on Friday by a passer by who had seen the flames. A group of teenagers were seen on top of the hay bales just moments before the fire started.

Mrs Jackson said: "By the time we got there the fire had really taken hold and it was big as it is a huge stack of hay bales. The bales were literally within 100 metres of the pigs. If it had been a dry and windy night, they wouldn't have been able to get out in time, which doesn't bear thinking about."

The creator of the page, Candice Priest said: "My children and I love this place and want to see it survive the pandemic. We are so lucky to have this great, fun, friendly place on our doorstep. I have seen how they have struggled over the past year due to the pandemic and they deserve some local support.

"As soon as I heard about the recent arson attack, I felt as a community we should pull together and help them. So many families have used and will use this place in the future to make wonderful memories and we can help them get back on their feet."

Humberside Police confirmed they are investigating the reported arson attack.

A force spokeswoman said: "We are investigating a reported arson on Holme Lane, Scunthorpe, following hay bales being set alight at approximately 7pm.

"Officers attended the scene and have been following up a number of lines of enquiry to determine those responsible.

"Thankfully no-one was injured and the fire was quickly put out by our colleagues in the fire service.

"We would ask anyone who has not yet spoken with us, who may have information, to contact our non-emergency number 101 quoting log 542 of February 26."