Detectives in the North were yesterday probing a suspicious blaze which destroyed almost 40 agricultural vehicles.


It is feared the financial cost of the inferno in Co Down could rise to more than half a million pounds.


The fire broke out at EJ Tractors, a farm machinery retail plant owned by Eric Johnson, shortly before 11pm on Friday.


Firefighters battled throughout the night to contain the blaze and stop it spreading to other buildings, including Johnson's house.


The PSNI said around 38 agricultural vehicles were destroyed.