Firefighters have been attending an incident at Moorends Recreation Ground this afternoon (Fri 10 May) which has seen the sports pavilion and changing rooms damaged by fire.
Thorne Moorends Town Council say a bench close by was set alight, with the fire then spreading to the building and the roof of the pavilion.
Damage is understood to have been caused internally and externally to the building.
The pavilion was refurbished in 2017 at a cost of over £100,000 and is used extensively by local sports teams. Councillors say news of the damage is ‘devastating’.
A spokesperson for Thorne Moorends Town Council said: “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. The fire quickly spread to the building.
“The damage is extensive and investigations are ongoing. 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 asked to contact Thorne Moorends Town Council or South Yorkshire Police.
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