Fire suspected to be arson destroys hives, killing 200,000 bees in Birstall.

A beekeeper, Andrew Dart, known as the Birstall Bee Man, is devastated after a suspected arson destroyed around 200,000 bees and thousands of pounds worth of beekeeping equipment. The fire occurred on Wednesday, 29 July, leaving Andrew, 63, with several lost hives, approximately £2,500 in equipment damage, and a honey harvest valued at about £1,000. A neighbor noticed smoke and alerted the fire brigade, but Andrew expressed that the loss of his bees was more painful than the financial setback.