FARM machinery was set on fire in a suspected arson attack at a field near Hurn Forest on Thursday evening.

Fire fighters from Christchurch and Redhill were called to the blaze around 6.20pm, which involved farm machinery, farm netting and 700 wooden pallets.

Crews tackled the fire using two hose reel jets and a main line and stayed to turn the area over and damp down.

It is believed the fire was started deliberately.