Update: Thugs torch cancer OAP's shed
A CANCER-STRICKEN pensioner has been left 'heartbroken' after his beloved garden shed was burnt down by heartless thugs. Michael Clift, who has cancer in the neck, was horrified to find the wooden building at his allotment in Doverfield
A CANCER-STRICKEN pensioner has been left "heartbroken" after his beloved garden shed was burnt down by heartless thugs.
Michael Clift, who has cancer in the neck, was horrified to find the wooden building at his allotment in Doverfield, Goffs Oak, reduced to ashes.
The 71-year-old, of Lulworth Avenue, Goffs Oak, told the WHT that when firefighters had tackled the blaze he discovered more than �1,000 worth of equipment had also been pinched.
He said: "I'm a pensioner and I struggle to keep my allotment going, but they set fire to my shed.
You may also want to watch:
"They burnt it down with all my tools and everything, worth over �1,000."
The dad-of-one and grandfather-of-three, who was an electrical mechanical engineer for 50 years, said: "We have had break-ins over there [the allotment] for the last three years.
Most Read
- 1 More than 20 arrested following major Welwyn Hatfield county lines drugs operation
- 2 Closing the New QEII at night permanently still to be considered
- 3 Man sentenced to three years in prison for breaking girlfriend's jaw
- 4 Coroner rules Joy Morgan death 'unlawful killing' but finds no cause at inquest
- 5 Bank becomes latest to be lost from town centre
- 6 'Horrific' abuser who 'showed no remorse' sentenced
- 7 Mum-of-four loses six stone in just over a year after being unable to play with her youngest child
- 8 Apply for planning permission or move skips and machinery, company told
- 9 COVID-19: Welwyn Hatfield tops Hertfordshire for cases per 100,000
- 10 Former Spitfire and Hurricane engineer celebrates 100th birthday
"It's heartbreaking.
"There was nothing left of it whatsoever."
Mr Clift, who is married to Rose, 67, added: "How long is it before they [arsonists] start burning houses down and kill someone? It's still arson."
A fire service spokeswoman confirmed crews were called to the allotments at 7.10pm. Firefighters had the flames under control within half-an-hour.
"The cause is doubtful," she added.
A police spokeswoman said the case was being dealt with as arson and theft.
Items stolen from the shed were a trimmer, two spades, two wheelbarrows, a lawnmower, a 12in knife and sledgehammer.
The incident happened on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4. Call police with information on 0845 33 00 222.