Yesterday marked the fifth anniversary of the fire that gutted Batchwood Golf and Tennis Centre in a suspected arson attack in the wake of the London riots.

Herts Advertiser: Batchwood fire. Photo courtesy Danny ConnewBatchwood fire. Photo courtesy Danny Connew (Image: D.CONNEW.2011)

Both the tennis centre and the bowls club were destroyed in the blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, August 10, 2011.

Despite four men - aged 19, 23, and two aged 17, all of St Albans - being arrested on suspicion of arson around that time, they were released on bail, with no charges later laid.

Since then, a new £6.6 million sports centre has been built as a state-of-the-art replacement, yet Herts Police have taken no further action over the blaze.

A spokeswoman said yesterday: “The crime is finalised at this time; however should any further information be presented to police regarding this incident, this would be investigated.”

Herts Advertiser: Batchwood Golf & Tennis Centre, St Albans, after the fire in 2011Batchwood Golf & Tennis Centre, St Albans, after the fire in 2011 (Image: Archant)