An allotment at the heart of a community was destroyed in a "mindless" arson attack.
The allotments on Havannah Lane in St Helens were vandalised and a communal cabin and greenhouse were burned down in what the community called a "mindless" act.
The incident happened at around 9.30pm on Sunday January 16 and today Merseyside Police have appealed for any information.
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Police officers and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a fire at the allotments and found extensive damage to greenhouses, sheds, tools and materials.
Merseyside Police confirmed no one was injured in the attack.
Further investigations by the Fire Service confirmed the fire was deliberate - and now a joint investigation with police is underway.
Enquiries are now underway in the area including CCTV and house-to-house.
On Monday, January 17 the plot holders started a fundraising campaign to replace the communal facilities.
A GoFundMe page read: "On Sunday 16th January, the allotments at Havannah Lane, Parr, St Helens were vandalised and our communal cabin and communal greenhouse were burned down during a mindless act of arson.
"The plot holders at Havannah Lane have put so much work into building these communal facilities which were used by plot holders, their friends and families, the community during our open days and a local disability group.
"To replace these facilities will cost thousands of pounds but as a non profit community group, we have not got the money available in our group's bank account to replace them.
"The cabin had recently undergone refurbishment to make it suitable for plot holders and the disability group to use it during the winter. Now this is all gone.
"We will be grateful for any donations to help us start again from scratch."
Merseyside Police Detective Sergeant Damian Peers said: “This was a dangerous and reckless act of criminal damage where valuable tools and materials were stored that has cost residents serious damage to their property, inconvenience and stress.
“We are keen to speak to anyone in the area of Havannah Lane who saw anything out of the ordinary or captured anyone acting suspiciously on dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage at around 9.30pm on Sunday night.
“Any information you have could prove vital in finding those responsible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with 22000037085.
Donations can be made to the community fundraiser here.
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