Appeal over arson attack at abbey

Delapre Abbey is owned by Northampton Borough Council

A $4,000 marquee in the grounds of an historic abbey has been destroyed by an arson attack.

The marquee, at Delapre Abbey in Northampton, was set alight on Sunday night or early Monday morning.

The structure was being used for the Northampton Horse Trials.

Police said the offenders had piled up tables and chairs inside the marquee before setting fire to it. The flames were visible from London Road.

Investigators have asked anyone who saw suspicious activity at the abbey - or who was passing and remembers seeing people at the scene - to ring Northamptonshire Police.

The abbey, famed as the site of the Battle of Northampton in 1460, was bought by Northampton Borough Council after World War II and became home to its records office.

A Buddhist group has expressed interest in buying the Grade II* listed building.