Arsonists torched a former hospital building in Radlett by igniting gas canisters and making them explode.
Herts Police are appealing for information about the crime, which happened when intruders broke into Kingsley Green Harper House, on Harper Lane, sometime between 11.30-11.50pm on Friday, May 12.
The resulting fire caused significant damage to the former Harperbury Hospital site, at one time proposed for a new free school until the scheme was rejected by Schools Minister Lord Nash.
An officer on the case, Det Con Mark Chipchase of the St Albans Local Crime Unit, said: “This fire set off some highly combustible canisters and could have led to serious injuries or even fatalities.
“It is illegal to trespass within the derelict buildings at the Harperbury Hospital site, and the site is a serious health and safety risk as it is in varying states of disrepair.”
He said they are working with the hospital to catch the arsonists.
Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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