Beekeeper left 'devastated' after one million bees killed when hives were 'doused in petrol and set on fire'

Mariusz Chudy, who has been a beekeeper for more than 30 years, said he was heartbroken when he discovered the scene at one of his sites in Kinoulton, Rushcliffe.
Mariusz Chudy, who has been a beekeeper for more than 30 years, said he was heartbroken when he discovered the scene at one of his sites in Kinoulton, Rushcliffe (Reach)

A beekeeper was left 'devastated' after he found his hives burned and surrounded by petrol with at least one million bees killed.

Mariusz Chudy, who has been a beekeeper for more than 30 years, said he discovered the wreckage at one of his sites in Kinoulton, Rushcliffe at around 6pm on Saturday.

The 52-year-old said he arrived at the site where he has 20 hives and was "hit by a strong smell of petrol".

He said he could not believe his eyes when he saw that three hives were completely destroyed, and three others partially burned with petrol poured all over the field.

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"I am just heartbroken and completely devastated," he said. "I could not believe my eyes and cannot imagine who would do this."

Chudy said that one million bees were killed in the carnage.

The hives had been scorched.
The hives had been scorched (Reach)

"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 that this 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."

Farmer David Rose, the owner of the land, contacted Nottinghamshire Police about the incident.

Rose said: "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."

Thomas Rawlings from West Bridgford police station confirmed the force was investigating the incident after police were called to reports of the attack.

He 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.

"People can ring 101 quoting incident number 515 of 21 August 2021.”

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