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A beekeeper from the Netherlands has voiced dismay after his 10 beehives were set ablaze in a park in the central city of Almere, causing the loss of an approximated 500,000 bees.

Harold Stringer mentioned that every colony contained a colony of 40-60,000 bees, and the thought that someone could destroy them was devastating.

"It really hurts that my 10 hives have died," he informed local broadcaster.

Police in Almere, located to the east of Amsterdam, have requested witnesses after the arson attack on Tuesday evening in the city's scenic Beatrixpark. They posted pictures of the blaze on online platforms.

The Dutch government reports that over 50% of the nation's 360 types of bee are at risk of dying out, as the number of bees declines globally.

Mr Stringer explained that authorities had informed him an flammable substance had been used to burn the colonies, which were sitting on pallets in a forested area of the garden.

Barely any of the insects survived and he said that he had little faith the arsonist would be caught.

Fellow beekeeper a local beekeeper stated on national radio that she had three bee colonies and planned to give him a colony.

For Mr Stringer, who looked after the bees for about nine years, the incident means building a fresh hive in the area from the beginning.

But he insists he will continue his efforts.

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• 'One Million Bees' Lost in Deliberate Hive Fire.