An arson investigation has been launched after a flat in Cuffley was destroyed by a fire.

The blaze started sometime between 11pm and 11.14pm on Wednesday, August 21, in a property in Station Road.

Detectives now believe the fire could have been started deliberately in the flat, which was completely destroyed in the blaze, and are treating the incident as arson.

The size of the fire also put neighbouring properties at risk, requiring the occupants to be evacuated. So far, no injuries have been reported.

Officers initially attended the scene to assist with the evacuation of adjoining properties, securing the area and to implement road closures, which included part of Station Road, Cuffley Hill and Theobald Road and which remain in place today.

Detective Constable Thomas Clark, from the Local Crime Unit, said: "I am appealing for any members of the public who were in the area at the time and who witnessed the fire or saw anything suspicious around the time, to contact me as soon as possible.

"Additionally, please can anyone who has CCTV or a dashcam in operation in the area between 10.50pm and 11.15pm, check the footage to see if it has captured anything that could be useful to our investigation.

"No matter how significant you think your information is, please report it, as it could be vital to our enquiries, as we look to trace those responsible for the incident. Please report any information by emailing me at thomas.clark2@herts.police.uk."

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or by calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number 41/69773/24.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.