Officers investigating an incident of arson in Potters Bar are appealing for information and witnesses.

At around 6pm on Monday (November 21) in Wyllyotts Place car park underneath Wyllyotts Centre a group of youths set a pile of newspapers alight before making off when disturbed by members of the public.

The group are described as teenage boys and girls. One of the offenders is described as a girl of mixed race, with dark hair in two plaits. She was wearing light coloured leggings with white trainers and a dark jacket with a large fur trimmed hood.

PC Paul Francis, from the Potters Bar Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The fire was extinguished by staff from the Wyllyotts Centre so thankfully there was no significant damage and no-one was injured however, the consequences of the actions of these young people could have been much more serious.

“I am appealing for anyone who saw this group acting suspiciously in the area around the time stated to get in touch by calling the Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference J3/16/1449.

“If you’d prefer to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or submit details through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

“The Potters Bar Safer Neighbourhood is working closely with the fire service to promote the consequences and dangers of arson and patrols are being increased in the local area so that officers can engage with young people and prevent this type of offending.”