An Exeter pensioner has been left distraught after his treasured allotment was destroyed in a suspected late night arson attack.
William Short, 85, says he "lost everything" in the fire on Tuesday night in St Thomas, and fears he won't be able to continue his hobby of almost half his lifetime.
"My mate came and told me the bad news on Wednesday morning. It's absolutely terrible because everything is gone and nothing is left," he said.
The emergency services were alerted to reports of an allotment shed fire at the Guys and Hylton site at around 11.46pm.
Upon arrival crews confirmed the small building was "well alight" before being "completely destroyed" by fire.
The fire service initially thought the fire started accidentally, but a police officer apparently told Mr Short that it was most likely a crime of arson.
The scene of the incident was cordoned-off with red and white tape on Wednesday evening.
