Police investigate building blaze near County Hall

Little remains of the annex building in the grounds of County Hall following a large blaze

Police have begun an arson investigation following a blaze that completely destroyed a disused building in the grounds of County Hall in Hertford.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Pegs Lane shortly after 19:00 BST on Tuesday.

The county's police force is seeking witnesses to any suspicious activity in the area at the time.

Det Con Michael Parker said: "Thankfully no-one was hurt during the incident, but it could easily have been a different story and we are taking the matter very seriously."

"We know that several people were in the area at the time and we are keen to trace them," he added.

Crews extinguished the fire by about 22:00 BST.

The blaze was contained to an annex building and did not affect neighbouring Leahoe House or County Hall.