Police appeal for witnesses to arson after horse dies in Datchet barn fire

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to an arson in Datchet this morning (May 1) following a barn fire in which a horse died. 

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service called the police to a barn fire near Mill Place Caravan Park at around 3.40am. 

Firefighters extinguished the fire but one horse died and another was rescued. 

Detective Sergeant Andrew Huelin said: “While it is fortunate no people were injured by the fire, a horse has sadly died as a result and another had to be rescued.

“I understand there may be some concern caused by the nature of the incident but please be assured there is not thought to be any further risk to the wider public.

“I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information about this arson to please come forward.

“If you have CCTV cameras in the area or if you were driving in the area with a dash-cam, I’d also ask that you check your recordings in case it has captured something that could assist our investigation.

“To contact us, call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 195 of today.

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”