MINDLESS vandals set fire to a bale of hay in dry grassland close to hundreds of homes.

Fire crews were called to grassland behind Sydney Street, in Monkwick, Colchester after residents reported the bale was alight.

One fire engine, from Colchester fire station, was sent to the scene shortly after 9.30pm on Thursday.

Crews tackled the blaze with a hose as well as ‘beaters’ - which are designed for tackling minor fires is grass areas and parks.

An investigation carried out by firefighters concluded the fire was started deliberately.

Essex Police are aware of the incident but are “awaiting extra information” before an investigation is launched.

Residents have reacted angrily, saying it is not the first time the field has been targeted, apparently by a group of youths.

Grandmother Sally Perrin, who lives off Sydney Street, said: “I’m not surprised they say it’s deliberate.

“It’s not the first time this has happened at all.

“I just wonder ‘what were they thinking?’

“It’s not far from a lot of homes and the grass is as dry as I’ve seen it. For all they know, it could have spread anywhere.”

Another woman who would not be named added: “These kids are just bored these days so this is probably their idea of fun.

“We’ve had pretty big fires there before and this wasn’t as bad, but it just goes to show people don’t learn.”

Dave Harris, Colchester councillor for Monkwick added: “If it is youths, and I suspect it is, they are the less-than-1 per cent of youths who are not behaving correctly.

“99 per cent of the kids in Monkwick are just brilliant but there is the odd bad apple and they need to realise the impact of their actions, not just on potential damage to homes but to the wildlife in the grassland as well. I would also say to parents: ‘If your children have got lighters or matches, why? We all want to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”