Teenager arrested following Leahoe fire

Two teenagers have been arested following a fire in the grounds of Leahoe House on Tuesday 13th May.

A 14 year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy from Hertford have been arrested on suspicion of arson not endangering life, and has been interviewed by police.

Six fire appliances attended the incident with crews remaining at the scene through the night, having extinguished the fire shortly before 10pm.

A derelict outbuilding previously used as a nursery was completely destroyed in the blaze. The former mansion is thought to have been undamaged in the fire.

Smoke from the fire could be seen as far away as Rickmansworth and Enfield.

The boy has been bailed while enquiries continue.

The future of the Leahoe site is uncertain. As well as the mansion and outbuildings there are also disused flats and houses which are boarded up, having been deemed unfit for human habitation. Developer CALA recently pulled out of talks with the council to redevelop the site.

Updated 24/5/25 to reflect second arrest