A BIRD hide set on fire by a discarded cigarette is being treated as arson.

North Wales Police is investigating the incident involving a large hide in Saron, which is understood to have taken place last Thursday.

"The Rural Crime Team and the RSPCA are appealing for information following reports a bird hide in Caernarfon was deliberately set alight," police said.

"The ‘Foryd’ bird hide in Saron, overlooking Dinas Dinlle, was significantly damaged in the fire, which officers are treating as arson.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone with information, is asked to contact police on 101, or via the website, using reference Z135264."

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident just before 12.45pm on Thursday.

The fire damaged two square metres of wooden panels.

"We were called to a fire involving a wooden bird hide in Saron at 12.43pm on Thursday, September 9.

"The fire involved two square metres of wooden panels.

"The fire was caused by the careless disposal of smoking material."