Three snakes and five spiders fell victim to a suspected arson incident at the weekend after a horse box was set alight.

Herts Police are appealing for witnesses following the fire, which happened at around 3.40am on Saturday (9) in Keswick Close, St Albans.

The horse box housing the animals, three of which were corn snakes, was parked on the close when it was set alight.

Detective sergeant Katy Jackson, from the St Albans Local Crime Unit said: “The owner of the horse box is understandably quite upset by what has happened and I would like to trace the person or people responsible as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call the non emergency number 101, or anonymously call 0800 555 111.