A COMMUNITY garden owned by a Basingstoke charity has been destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

On Thursday, June 13, firefighters were called at approximately 6pm after reports that a shed in Pack Lane had been damaged by a fire. A tree house, parts of the garden and a tree, which belong to the organisation Inspero, were also damaged. 

The fire is being treated as arson, a spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed.

READ MORE: Fire service investigating cause of fire at Crown Heights

Firefighters battling the fire (Image: Inspero)

They added that 'no arrests have been made at this time' but asked anyone with information to 'please call 101 quoting reference 24393135'.

Inspero, a charity promoting healthy eating and living, said in a statement that the attack 'really hurts as a local organisation that has helped so many young people over the years'.

It added: "This act of mindless violence has caused a lot of shock and distress to our staff, trustees and dedicated volunteers."

The garden opened in July 2014 and was used to grow food for the charity's food bank, as well as run educational work placements for children with special needs in addition to well-being programmes.

Catherine Walters-Clark, who founded Inspero in May 2012, has started a GoFundMe to raise funds needed to rebuild the community space.

The fundraiser has raised £1,395, above its target of £1,000, since being set up two days ago, on Saturday, June 15.

To donate to the fundraiser visit: gofundme.com/f/help-us-rebuild-our-charity-garden-after-arson.