Allotment holders were left heartbroken after ten years of hard work went up in flames when their plot was targeted by vandals.

Eastern Daily Press: Lisa Lucas and Steven Shillings by the remains of the burnt out shed.Lisa Lucas and Steven Shillings by the remains of the burnt out shed. (Image: © Archant 2016)

At least £2,500 worth of damage was caused when a shed was set alight at the allotments in Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft last Friday.

A fence was also damaged when the intruders forced entry and chickens were killed.

It is the second fire and the third time chickens and their chicks have been attacked and killed on the site in recent weeks.

Joint owner of the destroyed shed, Lisa Lucas, 51, said: 'It is just a senseless and mindless act; the fire could have spread across the area.

'This is our sanctuary we come down here to get away from things and to have it taken away from us is horrible.

'When I came down to the site and saw the damage I cried. The hours of work that I, Steve (joint owner of the shed) and my husband Colin have put in and items of sentimental value cannot be replaced.'

She added: 'I don't know why anyone would do this and especially killing innocent chickens and their chicks; we have no idea who has done this its horrible.'

Co-owner, Steve Shillings, 34, estimated the cost of the damage to the plot they have tended for ten years to be at least £2,500.

'I bring my family here a lot and we put so much work and hours into the plot, its devastating to see it destroyed liked this,' he added.

A crew from Lowestoft South and one crew from North Lowestoft fire stations were called to the allotments at 12.50am on Friday, May 27 to find a shed alight. The blaze was under control by 2.27am.

Plot owners awoke to hear the news of the fire on local radio.

But despite the devastating fire, the allotment holders have vowed not to be deterred and are determined to fight back against vandals.

Secretary of St Margaret's Road Allotment Association, Jessica Phillips, 29, said: 'The day that we came down to see the damage was just heartbreaking, to see Lisa so badly affected by it was horrible. We will all help rebuild the shed and the plot and move ahead. This fire saw years and years of hard graft go up in flames.'

A police spokesman said they were aware of the incident and were making inquiries.