AN ARSONIST caused £30,000 of damage to a beekeeper's site in a Swindon park.

The criminal tipped beehives over and burned down two sheds and a greenhouse at Stanton Country Park on the evening of Monday March 16.

Police are appealing for witnesses and are interested in speaking to anyone who uses the park and may have seen discarded beekeepers' suits.

PC Sam Walton said: "We are interested to hear from anyone that was in the area on that day who may have seen anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.

"We'd also like to hear from anyone who may have seen any beekeepers' suits around the park on the day itself or the days following the incident as we believe that some suits were taken prior to the fire being started.

"This mindless act of vandalism has destroyed the life's work of an enthusiast who has conducted some world-renowned work in the field of beekeeping.

"We are determined to find those responsible and any information the public may have will help use find these individuals.

"If you can help in any way please contact us on 101."