A GROUP of indignant gardeners have clubbed together to offer a �500 reward to track the culprits responsible for killing chickens in an arson attack.

Allotment holder Bob Peggs said: “As a community we are simply not prepared to put up with this sort of crime. We are prepared to do anything we can do to help bring those responsible to justice.”

The reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the arson attack last month at Somersham near Chatteris.

A number of chickens were killed in the fire at King Street allotments off Bishops Road in the early hours of March 29.

The offenders also targeted pigs in the incident which saw four sheds destroyed.

Now a group of allotment holders have clubbed together to privately put up a reward of �500 for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Detective Constable Suzanne Pickard, investigating, said: “This was a sickening attack which has caused the owners of the animals a lot of distress.

“I would urge anyone with information as to who is responsible to call police.”

The payment of the reward is subject to information being received before May 12 and the validity of any claim will be determined by the Allotment Committee in conjunction with police.

Anyone with any information should call DC Pickard on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.