Several teenagers were spotted on top of a derelict building in Watford just months after officers had to rescue youths from a blaze at the site.

Around three teenage girls were seen walking on the former TJX and Sun Alliance office building roof in Clarendon Road at 6pm yesterday (August 29) before ducking down out of sight.

Two boys were also spotted climbing on bins and over a fence to the side of the buildings to gain entry to the vacant site.

Around three teenage girls were walking around the roof yesterday evening.Around three teenage girls were walking around the roof yesterday evening. (Image: Newsquest) The former TJX offices have sat empty for years while plans were in the pipeline for new housing development on the site, which would provide 247 rented homes in towers measuring five, seven, 17, and 24 storeys-tall.

Teenage boys climbed on bins to gain entry to the derelict site.Teenage boys climbed on bins to gain entry to the derelict site. (Image: Newsquest) They have suffered graffiti, broken windows and a fire in May which saw Hertfordshire Police rescue “a number of young people” from a ground-floor blaze.

Police previously said “work is ongoing with Watford Community Safety Partnership and the building owners to ensure the issues around antisocial use of the building are prevented”.

Smash windows at the former TJX offices.Smash windows at the former TJX offices. (Image: Newsquest) Although the developers had hoped to start works by 2023, the project was delayed after it was rejected by Watford Borough Council in 2022.

The scheme was given the green light upon appeal in 2023 by the planning inspectorate, and further amendments were approved in March to bring the development in-line with new fire safety regulations.

Sergeant Bradley Cross said: “Officers are still working with Watford Borough Council and the building owners to strengthen the perimeter of the site which will hopefully reduce and stop anti-social behaviour around the area.

“We’re currently planning a full site visit with the building owners where we can make bespoke recommendations on how the company can protect their site.

“Since May, we have had meetings with the building owners and a security contractor visited to strengthen the fences.

“Work is ongoing to address anti-social behaviour, and anyone with information or concerns can contact police via 101 or report online.”

Watford Borough Council have been contacted for comment.