FIREFIGHTERS in Wellington dealt with an arson attack on Friday (August 11) which completely destroyed a large JCB digger and also damaged an outbuilding.

Both Wellington pumps were sent to the scene in a derelict building in Beech Grove at about 2.15 pm and found the machine well alight.

Police have been told the fire was set deliberately.

The fire crews used two sets of breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet as they put out the blaze, and they then damped down the area.

The incident comes after a spate of arson attacks and vandalism on the town’s derelict Tonedale Mill site, where police have warned it is too dangerous for officers to enter.

Police have begun making house to house inquiries into the Beech Grove incident.