Witness appeal after St Albans property fire

Police are appealing for witnesses, information and doorbell camera footage following a suspected arson in St Albans.

Shortly after 7pm on Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December), officers received a call from the fire service following reports of a fire at a property on Hatfield Road.

A woman who was in the property at the time managed to escape with no injuries, and officers put road closures in place to secure the area.

Following an investigation, Khaqan Chaudhary, aged 42 and of Sandridge Road, St Albans, was arrested and charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered, stalking, and burglary dwelling and theft. He appeared in Hatfield Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 27 December where he was remanded into custody.

Chaudhary will next appear at St Albans Crown on Tuesday 27 January.

Detective Constable Emma Carter, from the St Albans Criminal Investigation Department, said: “Despite securing a successful charging decision, we are continuing to appeal to any witnesses who may have seen what happened.

“Remarkably, no one was injured, although the result could have been far worse.

“I am particularly keen to obtain any doorbell camera footage between 6pm and 6.30pm on Christmas Day from Hatfield Road, Clarence Road and the surrounding areas, or any further information that may help our enquiries.

“I also urge people not to speculate on social media. If you have information, please share it with us. I can be emailed directly with any details.”

You can also report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting 41/121978/25.

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