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.

"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.

"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.