POLICE are hunting arsonists who destroyed a landmark farmhouse, a listed building near an abbey.
Firefighters from three stations tackled the blaze at Abbey Lands Farm, at Whitby Abbey Plain, North Yorkshire.
Police said it was the most serious of a number of arson attacks in the town.
"We believe it, and the other fires, have been caused by youngsters, so we are appealing to parents to make sure they know where their children are at night. "
Local councillor Dorothy Clegg said the areas around the abbey and the nearby parish church of St Mary's had been targeted by vandals, who had set light to litter bins, damaged the churchyard and damaged cars.
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