Northamptonshire fire investigators believe allotment shed was torched in suspected revenge attack

Holder clashed with kids moments before devastating blaze
Firefighters tackle Tuesday night's blaze at an allotments in KetteringFirefighters tackle Tuesday night's blaze at an allotments in Kettering
Firefighters tackle Tuesday night's blaze at an allotments in Kettering

Nearly 15 years of an allotment holder's hard work went up in flames in a suspected revenge arson attack.

Investigators from Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue service believe the blaze was started deliberately.

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And witnesses say a group of local children who had been 'causing a nuisance' may be involved.

Wednesday morning's scene after the fire, which investigators believe was started deliberatelyWednesday morning's scene after the fire, which investigators believe was started deliberately
Wednesday morning's scene after the fire, which investigators believe was started deliberately

The shocked victim, who does not want to be named, is said to be devastated by the damage to two allotment sheds in Kettering on Tuesday night.

Claire Humphrey, chairman of South End Allotments, revealed that a group of children had been told to leave by the victim of the attack after they had got into the locked allotments.

Her shed was later set alight and Claire said a can of petrol was found in a nearby alleyway the following morning.

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She said: "They torched her shed and it's just coming across as a revenge thing.

Friends say the allotment holder is devastated after "losing everything"Friends say the allotment holder is devastated after "losing everything"
Friends say the allotment holder is devastated after "losing everything"

"She's had the plot for 13 or 14 years now and it's all she has.

"It's horrific. She's lost virtually everything she had there and lots of things of sentimental value.

"Just seeing the sheer devastation of what is left is horrible. Going there was solace for her."

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A statement from Police and Fire and Rescue Service said: “An appliance from Kettering Fire Station was called to attend an incident in Whiteford Drive, Kettering, at 7.14pm on February 23 where they found two allotment sheds on fire.

“Fire crews were on site for approximately 30 minutes and used breathing apparatus, hose reel and a thermal imaging camera whilst at the location.

“The fire is suspected to have been started deliberately and police officers are therefore investigating.

"Contact is being made with the shed owners to progress enquiries.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact police on 101.