Hens burnt alive in arson attack: Whinney Hill Allotments
(NG19 - Tuesday, 27 April, 2010)

Police are appealing for information following an arson attack where two hens may have been burnt alive.

A man visited his plot in the allotments in Whinney Hill, off Peafield Lane in Mansfield Woodhouse, on Saturday 17 April, to find his chicken coop had been torched and the two hens inside were dead.

The offenders broke a pad lock to enter the coop.

They did not steal or damage anything else during the incident.

It is thought the arson attack happened between 4.30pm on Friday 16 April and 3.30pm on Saturday 17 April.

PC Michael Colley, Beat Manager for Leeming, said:

"This was a heartless and callous incident, where it is very likely that the two hens were burnt alive.

"The owner of the chicken coop is distraught and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have information about who did this."

The RSPCA is also investigating the incident. RSPCA inspector Vicki Taylor said:

"We would appeal to anyone who may know who was responsible for starting this fire.

"All the evidence points to the fact that these two chickens could have been burned to death in this horrific act."

Anyone with information is urged to contact PC Colley on 0300 300 99 99 ext 805 3170, or on his mobile on 07729 247422.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Or call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

Whinney Hill Allotments
Peafield Lane
Mansfield Woodhouse
Mansfield
Nottinghamshire
NG19