Football club fire 'a devastating blow'

The fire spread to Pen Mill Football Club's changing rooms

A football club says it has suffered a "devastating blow" after a large amount of equipment was destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

A bin was set on fire at Pen Mill Football Club in Yeovil, Somerset, on Tuesday night, with the blaze spreading to a neighbouring store room and changing rooms, police said.

Neil Mapletoft, a coach at the club, said seeing the team's work "undermined by such a senseless act was heart-breaking".

Avon and Somerset Police said officers had carried out a search of the local area but "found no trace" of the culprits. Nobody was hurt in the fire.

"As an entirely volunteer-run organisation, our team works tirelessly to improve our facilities and provide opportunities for the local community.

"With our tournaments just 10 days away, the timing couldn't be worse.

"The affected rooms were filled with team kits, supplies, and equipment critical to both events," Mr Mapletoft said.

Around 250 people are involved in the club, starting with children under the age of seven.

The coach continued: "We've had a lot of support from local businesses and local teams, people that had been involved in the club.

"They offered help with packing up and paying for new equipment, it's been really nice. We are very thankful for everyone who has offered their support."

Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called to the scene by fire crews at around 22:00 BST on Tuesday.

They now want to trace two males seen in the area at the time.

The suspects are described as white, in their late teens or early 20s. One was in a grey tracksuit and the other was in a black and white tracksuit.

Investigators are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information.