Mansfield: Arsonists condemned after cricket club fire

The pavilion at Mansfield Cricket Club was badly damaged in the arson attack

A council has condemned an arson attack that damaged one of its sports pavilions in Nottinghamshire.

The fire at Mansfield Cricket Club, which was started at about 21:00 GMT on 26 December, caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Club officials have vowed "not to be beaten" by the arsonists.

Mansfield District Council, which lost resources for food nutrition sessions delivered at the pavilion, has pledged to support the club.

Fires were lit in chairs and inside cupboards, while much of the rest of the clubhouse, off Rosemary Street, had been vandalised.

Nottinghamshire Police believe the arson attack could be linked to a nearby burglary, in Albion Street, where a cricket stump was found at the scene.

The stump had been used to damage a door and window at the property at about 22:00, police added.

Councillor Andy Burgin, portfolio holder for environment and leisure, said: "This was a terrible act of mindless criminal destruction and we hope those responsible are brought to justice swiftly.

"Our hearts go out to the cricket club at what must be a difficult time for them - these clubs are a vital part of our sports provision in the district and play such an important and positive role in the community."

The club is raising money to replace some of the damaged items

David Evans, the council's head of health and communities, added: "We have lost a considerable amount of equipment, games and other resources that we use to deliver nutrition sessions during school holidays, in schools as part of the school curriculum and among various groups in the community. The pavilion was also used to prepare and cook food for these sessions."

The club has set up an online fundraising page to try to raise money to replace damaged equipment and for additional operating costs as a result of the fire.

Vice-chairman of the club, the Rev Jake Hyatt, added: "It is bitterly disappointing to have a community sports club attacked in such a way. However, we are a club that aims to bring people of all ages and all backgrounds together and we will not be beaten by mindless violence."

The fire is believed to be linked to a burglary nearby, where a cricket stump was left behind