Police confirm arson probe after arson attack on Hartlepool allotments which killed chickens and left area looking like a 'bomb site'

A fire which left an allotment looking like a ‘bomb site’ is being looked at as a possible arson, according to police.
By James Harrison
Published 1st Aug 2022, 12:48 BST
Updated 1st Aug 2022, 13:03 BST
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Emergency services were called to Hartlepool’s Chester Road allotments early on Saturday (July 30) morning.

Cleveland Fire Brigade said it had first been alerted at about 6.45 am and received a “high number of calls” about the incident due to the large amounts of black smoke produced by the blaze.

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Several chickens were also killed in the incident, which officers are now examining to determine whether it was started deliberately.

A Hartlepool allotment fire is being probed for possible arson.A Hartlepool allotment fire is being probed for possible arson.
A Hartlepool allotment fire is being probed for possible arson.
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In a statement, a spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "I can confirm that the fire on Chester Road was reported to us around 7:40am on 30 July and is being investigated as arson."

Allotment holder Malcolm Horsely, 62, told the Mail: "When I came down there was nothing left – it was like a bomb site. It’s really upsetting as I use the allotment with my granddaughter. I’ve had it for 25 years.”