A beekeeper whose hives have been torched twice in a year says she may be the victim of a jealous rival.

Michaela Tullet, who is the owner of Api-Bees in Kent, said she was devastated after an arsonist poured petrol over 20 of her beehives and torched them - killing more than 700,000 bees.

A further 26 of her beehives were torched in June last year, leading her to believe that somebody may be targeting her farm.

She said: "It makes you think as it is exactly the same area that was attacked last year.

"It could just be a jealous beekeeper. One of the farmers that works here has argued with some young children after they were caught littering. Maybe they thought the bees belonged to him, but I don't know.

"If somebody decides to come in the middle of the night and set it on fire, there is not a lot we can do."

Ms Tulett added she was "numb with shock", adding: "They are live animals. It's disgusting and a senseless act of violence."

The attack took place at the farm in the village of Sellindge just before 10pm last Tuesday, and there are now only around five hives left.