Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses and information following an arson in Hitchin.

Between 5pm on 14 April and 9am of 15 April on Windmill Hill, the North Herts Pride LGBTQ+ bench has been set on fire.

PC Lewis Thomson, who is the North Herts Hate Crime Officer said: "We are continuing to establish the full circumstances of this incident and are appealing for any information.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area during the times to find out whether anybody saw anything suspicious.

"We know that this crime may have affected members of the LGBTQ+ community and I want to assure people that a full and thorough investigation will take place.

"If you saw what happened or have any further details that may help our investigation, please email me via [email protected]."

You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number 41/35012/25.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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