Mansfield Cricket Club set on fire by arsonists on Boxing Day

Emergency services were called to a cricket club after arsonists had set the building on fire.

The incident happened around 9pm on Tuesday, 26 December, at the Mansfield Cricket Club, off Rosemary Street.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue service were able to put out the blaze, but the clubhouse has suffered severe damage. Fires had been lit inside cupboards and on chairs, while other parts of the clubhouse were vandalised.

While police were at the scene, there were reports of a burglary on Albion Street, which is close to the cricket club. A cricket stump was discovered at the scene, after it had been used to damage a door and window at the property at around 10pm.

Secretary and a player at Mansfield Cricket Club, Kevin Wright, said: "It's very disappointing. It's a community club, we do a lot for the community and we have just started some more junior teams.

"The club members and the sponsorship we do get, we do have to put a lot of hard work in for, so it's going to be a big set back at the start of next season. The building is owned by the council but it depends on the support we get from the council and if they are going to rebuild it as there is quite a lot of external damage.

"We are just really waiting now."

Anyone with information about the incident should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 497 of 26 December 2023, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Detective Sergeant Nathan Bingham, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "It is hugely disappointing to see damage like this caused to a popular local sports club. Thankfully, our fire service colleagues were able to quickly put the fire out but arson attacks like this are incredibly reckless."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…