Firefighters battled to control a blaze at a barn in Colby last night.

The fire at a derelict farmhouse near Ballacriy Park caused extensive damage to the barn and outbuildings.

It started about 7pm and the Fire and Rescue Service was at the scene for several hours dealing with the blaze.

Police are investigating the cause of the fire and want to speak to anyone who may have seen people in or around the farmhouse or barn earlier that evening.

Constable Gemma Berry, who is dealing with the investigation, said: ’We are appealing for information into how this fire started.

’Due to the weather conditions over the last few weeks it is highly likely that the people responsible for the fire were left smelling strongly of smoke.

’If you recall a member of your family coming home last night smelling of smoke then please contact the police so we can speak to them and potentially rule them out of our investigation.’

A fire service spokesman said: ’The fire was fully developed on arrival and an aerial appliance was used to attack the fire from the roof due to internal collapse.’