A campsite farm in Someren, where 450 asylum seekers were due to be moved to next week, has been hit by what the fire brigade say is likely to be an arson attack.

The fire broke out in one room on the farm, south east of Eindhoven, on Wednesday night, causing major damage to part of the building and smoke damage to the rest. No one was in the building at the time.

The local council planned to house 450 asylum seekers at the farm for two months, but locals have protested about the plans. Someren, a largely rural community, has a population of almost 20,000.

Council officials will make a statement about the fire later on Thursday.

It is not yet clear where the refugees will now live. They have been moved around the region, sleeping in sports halls and other emergency accommodation for the past few months.