Barn fire confirmed as arson attack

Police have admitted that a blaze at a barn in Sandridge, which was responsible for 70 bales of straw being destroyed, had been started deliberately and they are now calling for anyone with information to come forward.

The fire began on Saturday afternoon between 1430 and 1500 at Pound Farm in Sandridge High, Street Hertfordshire.

Fire crews from St Albans and Wheathampstead were called to put out the large bales of straw which had been set alight, but they had to return the next day until the situation was fully under control.

The flames were left to burn themselves out but adjacent fields were damped down to prevent spreading.

An investigation is currently underway into the barn fire and police are looking for witnesses to come forward to help them with enquiries.

It was also revealed that this was not the first occasion the farm was attacked by arsonists, with a similar incident happening in 2007 to 200 bales of hay, although on that occasion horses in the stables nearby required rescuing.

The area has become quite a target for arsonists during this summer. Along with this blaze, there were also a number of other reported haystack fires in Shenley and Radlett.