A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire destroyed part of an allotment in St Albans.
Three sheds and a polytunnel were destroyed in the blaze, causing £2,000 worth of damage.
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Herts police confirmed that an 18-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of two arsons, as well as carrying a weapon and drugs.
"An 18-year-od man from St Albans has been arrested on suspicion of two arsons, possession of an offensive weapon - a zombie blade - and possession of cannabis," read a statement.
"He is currently in police custody.
"Deliberately starting fires puts people’s lives at risk and diverts the fire and rescue services away from other emergencies. Several allotment holders have been affected by the fires and are being contacted by your safer neighbourhood team.
"Anyone who has any information about the fires is asked to contact Safer Neighbourhood Officer, PC Jo Busch at stalbans@herts.police.uk or call 01707 806311."
READ MORE: Three sheds and tunnel destroyed in 'arson' at allotments
A man has been arrested this morning on suspicion of two arsons at Hixberry Lane allotments near Highfield Park in #StAlbans. Thousands of pounds of damage was caused to crops, as well as sheds, gardening equipment & poly tunnels on Sunday night & Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/sQzclbpUjh
— St Albans Police (@StAlbansPolice) June 30, 2023
Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service believed the fire had been started deliberately, with a spokesman saying: "We were informed on Monday morning that a fire had occurred overnight at the allotment site in Hixberry Lane, St Albans, damaging several sheds and a poly tunnel.
"One fire engine from St Albans fire station was sent to the scene, where the crew found that although the fire was largely out, some areas were still smouldering.
READ MORE: Six outbuildings 'fully engulfed' in Hatfield fire
"Firefighters used a backpack sprayer and other tools to fully extinguish the fire.
"The fire is believed to have been started deliberately and the police are investigating.
"We were also called to a similar incident at the site on Wednesday morning, where firefighters damped down five smouldering sheds.
"These fires are also believed to have been started deliberately."
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