A GARDEN shed has been totally destroyed by a fire that is believed to have been started deliberately.

Fire crews from Pickering and Kirkbymoorside were called to the blaze in the garden of a house in Manor Drive, Pickering, at midnight on Sunday.

The shed, which contained a moped, was totally destroyed, and fire and smoke damage was reportedly caused to an adjacent shed. A third shed suffered heat damage to its felt roof.

The fire scorched its surrounding area - three metres of hedge was destroyed as well as 10 fence panels.

Crews had to use three hosereel jets to battle the flame.

A statement from the fire service said: "The cause is believed to be deliberate however the incident remains open for a visit by a Fire Investigation Officer."