Police have made six arrests after two calls to a mysterious abandoned mansion, days after photos of its untouched interior were published online.

Neighbours said they were worried about what would happen to the mansion in Bucks Hill, between Sarratt and Kings Langley, which was left apparently frozen in time after its owners moved out.

The house was sealed off to trespassers after national media published photos of the inside of the deserted house, which had been found by an ‘urban explorer’.

Personal belongings were left as if the owners had just gone out, including a watch, designer clothes on hangers, plates in the dishwasher and even a half-finished game of chess.

One villager told the Watford Observer that people “were worried” about what would happen to the mansion “now that the story is out in the open”.

Today, Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed that it was called to two separate incidents on Thursday evening (May 21).

Police were first called to reports of suspicious activity at the property on the evening at 9.40pm.

Officers attended and arrested two men, aged 26 and 44 from Hemel Hempstead, on suspicion of attempted burglary.

The 26-year-old man remains in custody at this time. The 44-year-old man has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Later the same evening, police were called again at 11.51pm to reports of further suspicious activity at the same property.

Officers attended and arrested four people.

Watford Observer:

Cones have now been placed outside the gate at the mansion, with a sign warning people that anyone who passes will be prosecuted (photo James Cowen)

A 22-year-old man from the Kings Langley area was arrested on suspicion of burglary, going equipped to burgle, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and possession of class B drugs.

A 21-year-old man from Hemel Hempstead, a 19-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy – both from the Kings Langley area – were arrested on suspicion of burglary, going equipped to burgle and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

All four remain in police custody at this time.

Photos published in national media showed a number of cars outside the mansion, including a Bentley.

The Daily Mail reported that the house belonged to father-of-five Athanasios Tachmintzis, 70, who lived at the house with his family for around 18 years before disappearing.

It is understood that his wife, Sharon, died aged 52 in May 2004 following a 32-year marriage.

The couple had three sons Alexis, 43, Nicholas, 41, and Paul, 36, as well as daughters Kiristiana, 34, and 28-year-old Alicia, the Daily Mail said.

It is believed that the house has been deserted for more than three years, but it is not clear who was at the house when it was abandoned.

Speaking to the Observer, a villager said that they did not know Mr Tachmintzis personally, but knew he was a “high-end property man”.

They said: “I knew his him as ‘Nick the Greek’ because I never knew his full name until now, but I never actually spoke to him.

“But I knew one of his daughters quite well and she used to breed rottweilers, but then suddenly the family were gone, and I haven’t seen them again.

“I know the family did some planting of trees, but they were never watered and then they all died and then the padlocks came onto the gate at the mansion.

“Before they left, the family were the type of people who kept themselves to themselves.”

Another villager said they were told that a “Greek tycoon” had been living at the mansion but knew nothing of him.

They said: “I run by the mansion almost every day and find it astonishing that it’s been left to rack and ruin.

“It’s very sad.”

Detective Inspector Stewart Moulding, head of the Three Rivers Local Crime Unit, said: “We have been made aware of several articles on national news websites in relation to the property in question, and we will be making the appropriate enquiries.

“We are also liaising with the victims and are offering advice on how to put extra security measures in place.

“We would like to praise the quick-thinking actions of members of the public who took the time to call us last night. You, the public, are our extra eyes and ears so if you see something suspicious or you suspect a crime is in progress, always dial 999.

“We will not tolerate burglary in Hertfordshire and I want to make it clear that anyone who chooses to break into a home belonging to someone else can expect to be dealt with in a robust manner.”

Anyone can report information on 101, quoting reference ISR 969 of 21 May.