A TOP historical tourist attraction near York today suffered another devastating arson attack.

The Celtic settlement at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton Park, was targeted by vandals who torched a 10-metre long wooden replica roundhouse, causing damage which will cost hundreds of pounds to repair.

Amanda Clarke, who works as an administrator at the attraction, said they had reported eight vandal attacks in the last two weeks, which had "eroded morale".

She said a man was spotted trespassing on the site by army re-enactors who were camping at the museum. He fled but it is believed he may have returned and started the blaze.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said two crews from York tackled the blaze after the alarm was raised at about 1am.

Firefighters were unable to get their hose reels near the burning hut so brought it under control using axes.

The spokesman said there were unconfirmed reports of a car leaving the scene at high speed.

"The roundhouse will take many weeks to rebuild," said Mrs Clarke. It's not so much the value but the affect on morale."

The museum has suffered a catalogue of arson attacks in recent years.

In January, 2003, vandals caused £4,000 damage by setting fire to a Viking longhouse. The blaze destroyed the 45ft long and 18ft wide building completely, along with its contents, which included a loom, tools and wall-hangings. The fire also spread to two nearby huts, destroying the roof of one.

Another two Viking houses were torched on November 8, 2002, and three days later another hut was destroyed along with a stack of railway sleepers and a brick shed.

In 1998, the site was attacked three times in a month.

A Viking hut was burned down in one attack, and another attack left a longhouse burned down. Four huts were burned down in another attack. A railway carriage was also set on fire

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:37 Tuesday, July 13, 2004