Derby Road: Church Fire Could Be Arson

8 February 2014, 06:00

Hertfordshire Police continue to appeal for witnesses after a suspected arson attack at a church in Watford.

Substantial fire and smoke damage was caused to the Derby Road Baptist Church in a blaze that was started between 7-9am on last Saturday morning (1st Feb).

Detective Inspector Matt Phillips told Heart: "Detectives are working closely at the scene with specialist investigators from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Our initial enquiries lead us to believe this was started deliberately, however whilst the exact motivation is unclear, we do not believe this was religiously aggravated.

We are keen to identify the person responsible and I would like to ask for the public's help in our investigation.

The church is situated on the busy ring road in Watford and I would appeal to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity at the church this morning to call police as soon as possible."