RESIDENTS have shared their anger after a "deliberate" arson attack burned a community allotment site down last week.

Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at the community allotments on Havannah Lane, behind Winter Grove in Ashtons Green at about 9pm on Sunday, January 16.

Two fire engines were needed to bring the burning greenhouse and community shed under control, and officers at the site remained there until around 11.40pm.

St Helens Star: The allotment's community shed is now "totally gone"The allotment's community shed is now "totally gone"

The arson attack has caused thousands of pounds worth of destruction, with the allotment's community shed "totally gone" as well as "extensive damage" caused to other property and tools.

Further investigations from Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have now confirmed that the fire was "deliberate", and officers are looking for those responsible.

Treasurer of Havannah Lane Allotments, Yvonne Allen said the attack was the "lowest of the low".

The incident shocked many in the community of St Helens, with many wondering why such an attack would be inflicted on a site which is a hub for a number of community projects.

St Helens Star: The attack has caused thousands of pounds worth of damageThe attack has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage

Liz Hodge said: "This is disgusting, I really can't understand why this happens [and] it's quite a common thing on allotment sites throughout the country. This is just sheer vandalism with none or very little gain to the perpetrator.

"How anyone can destroy these facilities is beyond me. People put a lot of love, time and effort into their allotments and then to see them vandalised - it's soul destroying."

Similarly, Joanna Thompson said: "This is a community allotment why just why would you do this? It's so so sad."

Claire Louise Hoult added: "This is so sad, I know how hard these people have worked after having[an] allotment myself for years.

"It's hard work but very rewarding and [then] some mindless idiots come along and destroy it."

Many more residents expressed their disgust at the "heartbreaking" incident, deploring that the allotment was targeted for no reason at all.

Despite the heartache this has caused plot owners, the community have rallied round the allotment and have raised more than a thousand pounds to try and get it back on its feet.

To help rebuild the site, you can donate here

St Helens Star: Havannah Lane allotment before the fireHavannah Lane allotment before the fire