A suspected arson attack has caused serious damage to a barn in Sidbury.

Police alerted the fire service to the incident shortly before 11pm last night (Monday, April 26).

Fire crews from Sidmouth, Honiton and Ottery St Mary were mobilised to Putts Corner where they found the barn, measuring 7 metres by 20 metres, well alight.

The fire left the building 75 per cent damaged by heat and smoke and is thought to have been started deliberately.