Suspected arson is being investigated by the police after a derelict property caught fire in Northwood on Thursday night (20 April).
The authorities were informed about the incident at 6:55pm, after which police officers rushed to the location to support the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The site was closed for public access to prevent any harm.
Police are trying to establish how the fire started and are urging the public to come forward with any information that might help the investigation.
DS Darren Machin, from the Three Rivers Local Crime Unit, commented on the incident and appealed to the public to cooperate with the police. He said, “Thankfully no one was injured during the incident, but it has resulted in extensive damage to the building.
“This site itself is dangerous, and I would like to emphasise that anyone who enters the site is not only committing a crime but also putting their safety at risk. We are treating this incident as deliberate at this time and our enquiries are continuing.”
DS Machin further added, “If you believe you may have witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Sandy Lane (Northwood) around the time specified or think you may have any information that could assist with our enquiries, please get in touch. Any information, even something that may seem relatively minor or insignificant, could be key to progressing our investigation.”
The police have requested anyone with relevant information to contact them through email or by calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/31918/23.
People can also anonymously report the information to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or through their untraceable online form.
