Police investigating suspected arson at sports pavilion in Fleetwood

An investigation is underway this morning (Tuesday, September 22) after a sports pavilion was set on fire in Fleetwood overnight.
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Four fire engines from Fleetwood, Bispham and Blackpool, along with an aerial ladder platform from Preston, were called to King George's Playing Fields at 12.30am after a fire broke out at the sports pavilion.

The brick sports hut, off Fleetwood Road, is home to grass-roots football team Fleetwood Gym JFC and is used for storing sports equipment.

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But the building has suffered extensive fire damage, with pictures showing charred roof beams and a gaping hole in the roof.

Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus used two jets, one hose reel and a thermal imaging camera to bring the fire under control.

Fire service investigators inspected the site this morning and have reported their findings to Lancashire Police.

The force said it is now investigating the fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately, but no arrests have been made at this stage.

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Two engines remained overnight, damping down and extinguishing any further hot spots.

The fire has gutted the sports hut in King George's Playing Fields off Fleetwood Road, FleetwoodThe fire has gutted the sports hut in King George's Playing Fields off Fleetwood Road, Fleetwood
The fire has gutted the sports hut in King George's Playing Fields off Fleetwood Road, Fleetwood

Fleetwood Gym JFC said most of its sports equipment inside the building has been destroyed.

A club spokesman said: "At 12.30am a fire was set at the back of our hub building on King George's Playing Field.

"There has been fire damage throughout the building with the roof being the main part of the building damaged.

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"The fire has also destroyed the majority of the clubs assets such as sporting equipment, kitchen equipment and materials that we have built over the years for our annual football tournaments.

The equipment and tools inside the sports hut have been destroyed by the fireThe equipment and tools inside the sports hut have been destroyed by the fire
The equipment and tools inside the sports hut have been destroyed by the fire

"As if this year hasn't been bad enough for children with the Covid-19 pandemic, our club is now hit with a suspected arson attack.

"We are reaching out for help and support and any donation would be hugely appreciated in this current time.

"We hope the club and community can pull together and build back stronger than ever before."

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A fundraiser has been set up to help the club rebuild following the fire. You can donate here.

The roof has partially collapsed due to the fireThe roof has partially collapsed due to the fire
The roof has partially collapsed due to the fire

Fleetwood Road was closed both ways overnight, between The Crescent (Broadwater) and A585 Amounderness Way (Eros Roundabout), whilst fire crews worked at the scene.

Blackpool Transport diverted its 14 service in both directions via Amounderness Way, Rossall Lane, Broadway and Larkholme Lane due to Fleetwood Road being shut.

Anyone with information can contact Lancashire Police on 101, quoting log number 0029 of September 22.

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