Firefighters are responding to an incident at Moorends Recreation Ground this afternoon (Friday, May 10) that involved damage to the sports pavilion and changing rooms due to fire. Thorne Moorends Town Council reports that the fire started on a nearby bench and quickly spread to the building and the pavilion’s roof; the building sustained internal and external damage. The pavilion was extensively used by local sports teams when it was renovated in 2017 at a cost of more than £100,000; council members describe the news of the damage as “devastating.”
“It saddens us to confirm that Moorends Pavilion has today been subject to a suspected arson attack after a Queen Elizabeth memorial bench situated at the building entrance was set on fire,” a spokesman for Thorne Moorends Town Council said. The building was swiftly affected by the fire. “Investigations are still underway, and the damage is significant. We are working closely with emergency services to secure the building.” The council’s spokesperson added: “The building is a much loved community building and home to Club Thorne and Moorends Marauders, who work hard all year round to provide clubs and physical activities to the community. The damage is devastating.” Anyone with information is requested to contact Thorne Moorends Town Council or South Yorkshire Police.
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