Now Baginton farmer and tree surgeon Bradley Matthews must resurrect his livelihood from the ashes after it was destroyed in the blaze.

Fire burned through the night after the criminals set light to 50 tonnes of hay in a barn off Rowley Road late on Tuesday.

The blaze destroyed a JCB and other equipment, as well as hay essential to feed his cows.

Mr Bradley said: "It's just malicious when you set fire to something like that. They don't gain anything from it."

Firefighters were called shortly before 11.45pm and worked throughout the night and into the next day to control the blaze.

Police closed off roads near the farm, including Coventry Road, Siskin Drive and Rowley Road while the fire was brought under control.

They believe the fire was started deliberately after thieves attempted to steal the JCB, ransacking a small cabin in their search for the keys.

The farmer, who started the family business with his father 25 years ago, said he had not yet begun to calculate the cost of replacing the machinery and the hay.

As well as running a tree surgery business, he keeps a herd of cows and calves, which he said needed the hay for feed in the current warm weather.

Mr Matthews wants to start rebuilding his business but now fears that if he buys more hay it will be set light to again.

He said: "We are absolutely distraught. It has hit us big time. It still hasn't sunk in. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and find it's a dream. But that's not going to happen."

Police would like to hear from anyone who was near the barn in Rowley Road, Baginton on Tuesday evening. They would particularly like to hear form anyone who saw any vehicles parked nearby.

Anyone with any information should contact PC David Croft at Leamington Police Station on 01926 451111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.