Three sheds and a tunnel have been "destroyed" during a suspected arson at a group of allotments in St Albans.

The incident took place on Monday (June 26), at the CDA Herts Community Garden site on Hixberry Lane.

Another suspected arson is believed to have taken place this morning (Wednesday, June 28).

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The damage on Monday was discovered just prior to 9am by a member of FoodSmiles, a Community Benefit Society encouraging people to grow and eat more sustainable food.

Herts Advertiser: Over £2,000 of damage has reportedly been done.Over £2,000 of damage has reportedly been done. (Image: Clare Henry)

Three sheds and a polytunnel - that had been purchased by the CDA with Tesco's sponsorship in 2017 - were "completely destroyed" during the incident.

The blaze has reportedly caused £2,000 worth of damage.

Hilary Heine, coordinator for the FoodSmiles group at the site, said: "Working together as a team to grow food brings so many benefits to those involved and the destruction of the polytunnel is a huge loss."

                                                                                            

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A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service added: "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.

Herts Advertiser: One fire engine attended the scene.One fire engine attended the scene. (Image: Clare Henry)

"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 this morning (Wednesday, June 28), where firefighters damped down five smouldering sheds.

"These fires are also believed to have been started deliberately."

Hertfordshire police have appealed for anyone with information on the incidents to come forward.

Herts Advertiser: Hertfordshire police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.Hertfordshire police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward. (Image: Clare Henry)

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary commented: "Officers are currently investigating a suspected arson to sheds on Hixberry Lane allotments in St. Albans.

"Police were called to report that three sheds had been set alight.

"Police are currently carrying out enquiries.

"Anyone with information that could assist the ongoing investigation can report it online at herts.police.uk/report."

Information can also be reported by calling the police's non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/51319/23.

Anonymous information can be given by contacting Crimestopppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.