An appeal has been launched for witnesses and information following a suspected arson.

Police were called at around 6.55pm to reports that a derelict property in Sandy Lane, Northwood, was on fire yesterday (April 20).

Officers attended to assist colleagues from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service at the scene, and road closures were put in place while the fire was extinguished.

Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances around how the fire started.

Detective Sergeant Darren Machin, from the Three Rivers Local Crime Unit, said: “Thankfully no one was injured during the incident, but it has resulted in extensive damage to the building.

“This site itself is dangerous, and I would like to emphasise that anyone who enters the site is not only committing a crime but also putting their safety at risk.

Watford Observer: Fire crews were called to a derelict house in Sandy Lane, Northwood at 6.49pm yesterdayFire crews were called to a derelict house in Sandy Lane, Northwood at 6.49pm yesterday (Image: Submitted)

“We are treating this incident as deliberate at this time and our enquiries are continuing.

“If you believe you may have witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Sandy Lane around the time specified or think you may have any information that could assist with our enquiries, please get in touch.

“Any information, even something that may seem relatively minor or insignificant, could be key to progressing our investigation.”

Information can be given to the police via 101 quoting crime reference 41/31918/23.