AN investigation has begun into a suspected arson attack on a small holding near Hartlepool.

Arsonists are being blamed for the blaze on Monday night, which destroyed a caravan and spread to a nearby stable containing chickens, three of which perished.

Fire crews spent two hours tackling the fire, which broke out at the small holding off the A179, between Hart village and Clavering, on the outskirts of Hartlepool, at about 7.30pm. They believe youths were responsible.

Although three hens died in the stable, six more were saved by firefighters from Stranton Fire Station and a fire crew from the Headland.

Horses that would otherwise have been in the stable were in a nearby field at the time of the fire and were unhurt.

Lee Ryan, crew manager at Stranton Fire Station, said: "The fire is being treated as suspicious and is still being investigated.

"We managed to save six chickens but three died. Unfortunately, the hens didn't want to leave their eggs.

"Thankfully, the horses at the holding were in a field."

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said the incident was being investigated as arson.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01642-30212