Fire started deliberately at Wakefield sports club

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 8 Nov, 18:54 · Archive

A fire deliberately started at Walton Sports and Social Club in Wakefield has caused extensive damage to its lounge and tap room.

A fire deliberately started at Walton Sports and Social Club in Wakefield on Friday has caused extensive damage, destroying the lounge and tap room. The club, which opened as a miners' welfare in the 1960s, was run by a committee that said the damage was 'devastating'. Trophies and memorabilia dating back decades, stored immediately above where the fire began, were also damaged. No one was injured in the blaze.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed the fire was a deliberate attack. Detective Inspector Steve Sayles said it was a serious incident whereby the club had been deliberately targeted, and the consequences of the attacker's actions could have been significantly worse. Police say a man arrived on a bike at 03:40 GMT on Friday 6 November and had previously visited at around 01:40 for a 'recce'. The force released CCTV images of a man it wishes to speak to as part of its investigation.

The club's facilities for its football and rugby teams were undamaged by the fire. However, the loss of lounge space will force the relocation of the club's presentation evenings and other events. The 250-capacity concert room, which was unaffected, will now accommodate some of these bookings. The committee said the response from the community had been overwhelming, with many people helping to clear debris. A crowdfunder for repairs has already been launched.

How it is being reported

• Arson attack causes 'devastating' damage to clubThe fire at Walton Sports and Social Club was started deliberately, police say.BBC Leeds And West Yorkshire · 8 Nov, 18:20
• Suspected arson at Walton Sports and Social Club in Wakefield as police launch CCTV image appeal“This is a serious incident whereby the local sports and social club has been deliberately targeted; the consequences of their actions could have been significantly worse”Yorkshire Post · 8 Nov, 12:18
• Appeal after arson at Walton Sports and Social Club in Wakefield“This is a serious incident whereby the local sports and social club has been deliberately targeted; the consequences of their actions could have been significantly worse”Yorkshire Evening Post · 8 Nov, 11:27

In this story: Walton Sports and Social Club · Wakefield · West Yorkshire Police

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