Police have appealed for information after an “arson attack” on a Hertfordshire listed building.

Thirteen fire engines fought a blaze at a farmhouse in Roestock Lane, Colney Heath, at the end of June and yesterday (July 12) Herts Police confirmed that they are investigating it as deliberate.

The force appealed for anyone with information about the destruction of the “historic” building at Roehyde Farm to come forwards.

It is thought the fire was started sometime between 11pm on June 26 and 12.55pm on June 27 — when police and the fire service were called.

Detective Constable Lewis Allingham said: “This was a large-scale blaze which required eight fire engines to extinguish.

“Thankfully no one was hurt during the incident, but the building has sadly been destroyed.

“Our enquiries are continuing at this time to trace those responsible. As part of this, we are appealing for anyone with information to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to email lewis.allingham@herts.police.uk, or call 101 quoting the crime reference number 41/51644/23.

Watford Observer: The fire at 68 Roestock Lane The fire at 68 Roestock Lane (Image: Herts Fire and Rescue)

After being mobilised at around 12.20am, Herts Fire and Rescue Service took 12 minutes to get the scene due to difficulty locating the fire. It had initially been seen by a caller from Hazel Grove, Hatfield, on the other side of the A1(M).

Once they arrived, the initial responders realised the scale of the blaze and called for additional resources. Because the location was so remote, water had to be pumped from a hydrant more than 600 metres away.

Of the 13 appliances called out over the course of seven hours, at most eight were at the scene at once, with support from an aerial appliance, high volume pump, and an incident command unit.

The house was built in the late 17th century, according to its Historic England entry, and retained its frame and chimney from that time.