Two boys have been sentenced over the Abbey View fire last year.

Hundreds of residents were evacuated from the 17-storey tower block in the Meriden estate on July 13 at around 5am.

Firefighters believed the blaze, which left five families unable to return to their flats, was started deliberately and two teenagers were charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

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The 14-year-old, now 15, admitted to the charge and was sentenced at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on October 5, 2022.

He was given an activity requirement, exclusion requirement, and a curfew with electronic tagging. He was ordered to pay costs to CPS.

The 13-year-old, now aged 14, appeared in the same court on February 22, having pleaded guilty on January 4.

He was given a 12-month referral order with the South Hertfordshire Youth offending panel.

Watford Observer: Damage to the Abbey View buildingDamage to the Abbey View building (Image: Charlotte Delaney)

Investigations quickly led firefighters to believe the blaze had begun in the bin storage unit.

No one was seriously injured but some people were treated for smoke inhalation.

Eight fire engines attended along with multiple ambulances and incident response units.