Officers gave a group of youths “words of advice” in front of their parents after they had to be rescued from a derelict building fire.

Herts Police had been called with reports that “a number of young people” were inside the vacant former TJX and Sun Alliance office building in Clarendon Road, Watford, at around 8.15pm on Friday (May 24).

When the force arrived, part of the ground floor was in flames and Herts Fire and Rescue had to get everyone out.

Watford Observer: 50 Clarendon Road.50 Clarendon Road. (Image: Stephen Danzig)

Two engines were called and firefighters entered the building wearing breathing apparatus. They were able to “quickly” extinguish the blaze and made the scene safe by 9.45pm.

Police have since confirmed they spoke to the youths in front of their parents and added that “work is ongoing with Watford Community Safety Partnership and the building owners to ensure the issues around antisocial use of the building are prevented”.

Watford Observer: The former TJX and Sun Alliance building in Clarendon Road.The former TJX and Sun Alliance building in Clarendon Road. (Image: Stephen Danzig)

Both the former RBS building and TJX’s former offices in Clarendon Road have been the site of antisocial behaviour recently as they remain vacant amid plans to build at each location.

Herts Police had said that they are working with Watford Borough Council to secure the former TJX building as passers-by reported seeing graffiti, broken windows and a trashed interior in April.

Watford Observer: 50 Clarendon Road.50 Clarendon Road. (Image: Stephen Danzig)