A beekeeper was devastated after finding his beehives had been burned in a "cruel act"
Mariusz Chudy, who has been a beekeeper for more than 30 years, said he was heartbroken when he discovered the "terrifying" scene at one of his sites.
The 52-year-old said he arrived at the site where he has 20 hives at 6pm on Saturday (August 21).
Mr Chudy was "hit by a strong smell of petrol" before discovering the appalling scene at his hives in in Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire.
He could not believe his eyes when he saw that three hives were completely destroyed and three others partially burned.
Petrol was poured all over the field, he claims.
He told the Nottinghamshire Live : "I am just heartbroken and completely devastated.
"I could not believe my eyes and cannot imagine who would do this."
Mr Chudy said one million bees were killed in the carnage.
He added: "This is my life and someone has taken this away from me.
"It is a nightmare, just horrible."
The experienced beekeeper is also worried about the long-term impacts the incident might have on the environment.
He added: "Setting a fire at a farm is very dangerous and could have long-term impacts.
"It is not just about me and the bees, but for other farmers as well.
"The air has now been contaminated and it would be really difficult to go pass that."
Mr Chudy has been the frontman of the family-run business Golden Drops since 1994.
He is a master beekeeper, and built all the hives by himself.
"I am in shock - someone has ruined something so precious."
Farmer David Rose, the owner of the land, has contacted Nottinghamshire Police about the incident.
He added: "I am in shock and we are all very concerned about this.
"We were planning to host an open day in September and show people how important bees are.
"I do not think that we will be able to do that anymore, and it is just upsetting."
West Bridgford Police confirmed the force was investigating the incident after being called to reports of the attack around 6pm on Saturday (August 21) at a site in Kinoulton, Rushcliffe.
A spokesman said: “This was a deliberate cruel act which has clearly left the owner devastated.
“This was wanton vandalism, a malicious attack which has resulted in the deaths of all these bees.
"I would urge anyone who has any information about the attack or who may have seen anything suspicious in the area to please come forward and help us with our enquiries."
Anyone with information is asked to call 101.
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