A fire that destroyed several beehives in Almere’s Beatrix Park has killed around 500,000 bees and was probably started deliberately, local broadcaster Omroep Flevoland reported on Thursday.

Beekeeper Harold Stringer had 10 hives in the park, located in a wooded area behind a fence. “I can’t imagine who would do something like this,” he told the broadcaster. “I’ve always had good contact with park visitors and only get positive comments.”

There have been other fires in the park, but usually not close to the hives, he said. Stringer, who has kept bees there for nine years, estimates the damage at around €7,000.

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.