Teen released under investigation following clubhouse fire which left junior football club heartbroken
The damage to the Shrublands FC clubhouse, Great Yarmouth. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
A teenager who was arrested after a community pavilion used by a junior football club was destroyed in a fire has been released under investigation.
The damage to the Shrublands FC clubhouse, Great Yarmouth. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
Four fire crews rushed to Southtown Common Recreation Ground - used by Shrublands FC - to tackle a blaze which started at just after 11pm on Tuesday.
Shrublands FC staff and volunteers were left heartbroken after thousands of pounds worth of football kit and equipment was lost in the fire.
A teenage boy was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage on Thursday afternoon but Norfolk Police has confirmed he has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Insp Nik Hewitt, local police commander for Gorleston, said: "Whilst we have made an early arrest, this investigation remains ongoing, with additional lines of enquiry.
Police at the scene of a fire which has destroyed Shublands FC clubhouse, Great Yarmouth. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
"It may be that this incident is a result of reckless behaviour, and I would urge anyone that was there at the time or has knowledge to come forward."
The fire came just days before the club based in Gorleston was suppose to host their flagship seven-a-side tournament.
In a matter of hours, a gofundmepage was set up by the club with floods of donations being made by local businesses and sports teams.
More than £2,500 has been raised through fundraising campaigns and Great Yarmouth Borough Council has set up pitches on the Magdalen Playing Fields in Gorleston to allow the tournament to go ahead as scheduled.
Anyone with information should contact Gorleston Police Station on 101, quoting crime number 36/60050/19.
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