A REDDITCH allotment shed, containing potentially explosive and lethal gas cylinders, was burnt to the ground after arsonists struck last Tuesday night.

The attack happened at Bridge Street Allotments, in Batchley, which has recently been hit by a spate of vandalism, thefts and break-ins.

Three fire engines went to the 123-plot site and more than 15 firefighters were forced to stand back aiming jets of water at the blaze to cool down the propane gas cylinders inside and make them safe.

Allotment association secretary Roy Head said: "I had a phone call at about midnight to say one of the store sheds was on fire.

"They would not let me get near it because of the gas cylinders but, when I went down the following day, the shed was burnt to the ground."

Mr Head said about £2,000 damage was done and the arson attack was just one of a number of incidents which had happened at the site, which was established in 1916.

He added: "The engines from the rotavators have been stolen and the sheds have been broken into.

"I just want people in Redditch to know what's going on in the town."

A police spokesman said: "We are investigating the shed fire as this is an arson attack and we would appeal for any witnesses, or anyone who has any information, to contact central sector on 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

l Right: Roy Head at the scene of the fire at the Bridge Street allotments.