Angling club 'broken-hearted' after arson attack

A large container was set fire to during the raid

Members of an angling club have been left "broken-hearted" after equipment was stolen from a container which was later set on fire.

Trimmers and water pumps were among the thousands of pounds of items stolen and damaged at Kegworth Angling Club in Leicestershire.

Club treasurer Pete Baker said "we've lost everything" but added he was "overwhelmed" by the community's generosity after he received offers of equipment and financial donations.

Leicestershire Police is investigating the incident on Saturday 19 July and has urged anyone with information to come forward.

Pete Baker says the response from the public since the fire has been "overwhelming"

The club said lawnmowers and generators were also taken during the raid, as well as oximeters, which help with water testing.

Members of the club will also have to replace the large container which was burnt down.

Mr Baker said the club had been saving up to resurface one of the top car parks but that money will now be spent on replacing the stolen equipment.

He said he was notified of the incident by the fire service, which received a call at about 23:30 BST on Saturday from two anglers who were fishing on the other side of the river.

A GoFundMe page was set up and has raised more than £3,000 for the club.

Mr Baker said: "We're all broken hearted, it means everything to us.

"The public have been absolutely fantastic, and I've had no end of offers of equipment.

"It's local businesses, local people – it's absolutely unbelievable.

"I've had people knocking on my door at night, pushing donations through the door."