A grandfather was left distraught after his beloved allotment was destroyed by a suspected arson attack days before his 70th birthday, killing 30 of his poultry and destroying a log home.
The plot in South Hylton, Sunderland, was Alan Walker’s “pride and joy” until a fire destroyed it at 5 a.m. on Friday.
Northumbria Police are currently investigating the massive fire, which caused severe damage before being extinguished, as a possible act of arson.
Anth Bate, the 21-year-old grandson of Mr. Walker, stated that his grandfather had visited the allotment daily since his wife Valerie’s death in 2011.
A grandfather is upset after a suspected arson attack destroyed his cherished allotment.
The massive fire overtook the property and caused considerable damage before it was extinguished; arson was suspected.
The young man, who has set up a GoFundMe page to help rebuild, said, “It’s been heartbreaking for us all.”
It took him more than five years to create his log cabin exactly the way he wanted it, and he stated it was complete just days before the fire, but now it’s all gone in an instant.
He desired to spend his birthday in his favorite place, which has kept him occupied since his grandmother’s passing.
The property in South Hylton, Sunderland, was Alan Walker’s “pride and joy” before it was destroyed by fire early on Friday morning.
Mr. Bate reported that his grandfather’s tools, a generator, and a chainsaw were also taken from the construction site.
It was his source of pride. It’s terrible, but he’s more sad about the chickens than the house because he believes it can be rebuilt, so I’ve started a fundraiser to help.’
Mr. Bate stated that his grandfather’s tools, a generator, and a chainsaw were also taken from the construction site.
In just twenty-four hours, the local community has raised over one thousand dollars to help the family rebuild.
Mr. Bate, an employee of Hays Travel, commented, ‘Everyone has been very supportive.
People have asked if they can assist clean up and rebuild the allotment, and some have even offered a new generator.
The Northumbria Police are currently investigating the Friday blaze as a possible act of arson.
We are blown away by the generosity and goodness of people, and we truly value everyone’s support.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police stated, “Shortly after 5 a.m. on Friday, November 4, we got a report from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service of an allotment fire at Pottery Lane, South Hylton, Sunderland.”
The fire has been extinguished, and an investigation into its cause is currently underway.
“At the present time, we suspect arson as the source of the fire.
“Anyone with knowledge about the fire is urged to contact police using our website’s “Tell Us Something” page using reference number NP-20221104-0142,”