Arsonists target Somersham allotments

ARSONISTS have been blamed for a fire that killed chickens and destroyed four allotment sheds, a car and a mini bus in the early of this morning (Thursday).

Cambridgeshire fire service received “multiple calls” to the blaze at the King Street allotments in Somersham, at around 3.15am.

One fire engine from St Ives arrived at the scene at shortly after 3.30am, but the crew called for assistance on discovering the extent of the fire and a second fire engine from Chatteris was sent out.

Firefighters, using two hoses and two jets, took two-and-a-half hours to bring the blaze under control.

Eye witnesses said gas cylinders were heard to explode and chickens kept at the targeted allotment are believed to have died in the fire. Pigs kept nearby were injured during the incident and a number of sheds were broken into.

A fire service spokesman said the cause of the fire was deliberate and a fire investigations officer has been to Somersham to begin the task of finding out how the fire started.

Inspector Mark Greenhalgh, from Cambridgeshire police, said: “This was a distressing incident for the allotment owners and we will carry out a full investigation to find out who was responsible.

“I would urge anyone with any information to call police.”

One fire crew has remained at the scene, which will be monitored for the rest of the morning.

CONTACT: Anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.