‘I just don’t understand it’ - Cornish cricket club kit goes up in flames in suspected arson attack
Watch Richard Lawrence's report here.
A Cornish cricket club has had its equipment destroyed in a suspected arson attack.
Fire crews were called around 4pm on Thursday 2 January to the Chapel Field site which houses Saltash Cricket Club's kits, supplies, and machinery.
The club chairman first heard about the blaze from a player who saw firefighters tackling the fire.
Shayn Rencher said: “Nobody wants to see their own property or equipment going up in smoke.
“It was a big shock.
“I just don’t understand it, what do they get out of this?”
Although the club has changing rooms, it doesn’t have a clubhouse and stockroom, so everything was being kept in the shipping container that was set alight.
An attempt was also made to set alight an electric hire bike nearby, and police are linking it to an arson attack on a playground just a few yards away.
Saltash Police said: “At around 6pm further fires were started at Yellowtor Road play area, damaging a see-saw and on Yellowtor Road, at the junction with Gallacher Way, a Beryl bike was set alight.
“We are appealing for witnesses who may be able to assist us in investigating these crimes.”
Most of what has been destroyed at the club was paid for through fundraising efforts and now the club has launched a funding page to get new equipment.
Shayn said: “The response we’ve had from all of saltash has been amazing. Lots of words of support, donations, offers of help and fundraising. It’s been absolutely amazing and incredible.”
Saltash Police said: “This is not how we wanted to start the New Year. As a community club providing much needed cricket opportunities for Saltash, not only is it a huge blow for the club and volunteers, it will also affect the wider community who play, train and attend matches.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or by telephone on 101 quoting crime reference
50250001231 - cricket club container
50250001318 - see-saw
50250001383 - bike