An investigation into a fire at a barn that was once owned by Isle of Man Examiner farming correspondent Harvey Briggs has been launched.

Police are asking for information relating to a fire that caused significant damage to farming machinery at Ballakilmartin Farm on the outskirts of Onchan.

The farm once belonged to Mr Briggs, a former Captain of the Parish.

It was alleged that a group of youths were in the area just before the fire was reported at about 9pm on Thursday night (July 9).

Tenant David Creasey put the cost of the damage at more than £9,000 as the fire has ’absolutely written off’ a fertiliser spreader worth about £3,000 and melted plastic bits on a power harrow - worth about £6,000 - with potential internal damage.

About eight hay bales also went up in flames with the bales costing £200 altogether and the black plastic wrapping also costing £200.

The farm provides supplies to beef cattle farms and to livery yards in the island.

If you have any information in relation to this incident, call police headquarters on 631212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Harvey Briggs, who received the Tynwald Honour in 2008, died in 2015 at the age of 94.