Mountain bike rider wanted following arson attack at Fleetwood's Farmer Parrs Animal World

The children's farm, which has numerous animals including alpacas, horses, cattle, deer and donkeys, was targeted at around 9.45pm.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) received reports of a fire involving one of the farm's outbuildings on Rossall Lane in the town shortly before 10pm

The service sent four fire engines and crews from Fleetwood, Bispham and Blackpool’s stations to tackle the flames.

A spokesman for Farmer Parrs said: "Nobody was hurt by the attack but a substantial amount of damage has been caused. Had the fire not been discovered, it could have resulted in the loss of life.

"If anyone has any information regarding a male riding a mountain bike wearing light coloured pants riding around the Rossall area at around 9pm - 10pm please contact the police.

"We cannot understand why anyone would be out on a bike at this time during lockdown, or want to put further strain on the emergency services at this extremely difficult time."

Fire crews were at the incident for approximately two hours according to LFRS and firefighters had to use four breathing apparatus and two hose reels to extinguish the fire.

LFRS didn’t report anyone being injured following the incident and it's not believed any of the animals were hurt.

A police spokesman said that investigation has been launched into the fire