The blaze is believed to have broken out around 10.30pm on 26 September at a farm on the Killsmullen Road in Tedd. A cow and two calves were inside the closed shed when it was deliberately set alight in a heartless act of planned destruction and cruelty. The fire killed the animals and destroyed a high value farm equipment, including tractors. 

Rosemary Barton, UUP MLA said, “I know the owner of this property very well, it is disgraceful that anyone would set fire to the building with animals as well as machinery inside. The deliberate cruelty of such action against animals, and destruction of machinery is appalling.

“The property owner is a very hard-working, honest reliable farmer, who is a very community orientated individual and goes out of his way to assist local people.

“It is important that the community assist the police to help solve this matter, those who carry out such actions of animal cruelty and destruction deserve to have the full rigours of the law enforced upon them.

Meanwhile, in another incident in the Irvinestown area a digger was stole at Mossfield Road.

The theft occurred sometime between Saturday September 15th and 6am on Monday September 17th. 

The digger is described as being blue and grey coloured 4.5 tonne Hitachi digger and it was stolen from a site in the area.

 It is believed that a trailer was used to remove the digger during the incident, and police are appealing for anyone with information to get in contact. 

A spokesman said, “Enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area between Saturday 15th September and 6am on Monday 17th to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 329 18/9/18. 

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.