Yahoo News Police hunt gang-of-six as arson attack leaves old pavilion looking like this
Police have launched an arson investigation after a blaze at a former bowling club caused 'thousands of pounds worth of damage'. Officers say a group of around six people were spotted leaving the area following the inferno which has wiped out the pavilion at the one-time Bucknall Community and Bowling Club.
Photographs from the Werrington Road site today show the charred remains of the structure which sits close to nearby homes. Now Staffordshire Police have launched an appeal for witnesses after the deliberate blaze.
Firefighters had been sent to the blaze at around 7.05pm last night.
READ MORE: Police appeal to find 'wanted' Christopher, 63
READ MORE: Molly, 15, missing for 24 hours - police want your help to find her
A spokesman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We have extinguished a fire at a former community and bowling pavilion. Crews were called to the scene on Werrington Road, in Bucknall, following reports of a fire at the location. Hose reel jets were used to extinguish the fire by 8.15pm. We don’t believe anyone was inside at the time and no-one has been reported injured. The incident has been left with officers from Staffordshire Police."
Police are appealing for witnesses and say a gang was spotted leaving the scene.
A police spokesman said: "It is believed the fire has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. We don’t believe anyone was inside at the time and no-one has been reported injured. We understand a group of about six people were seen leaving the area on foot at the time of the fire. We searched the area but did not find anyone matching the description."
As reported by StokeonTrentLive the venue has been closed for a number of years. Last month and proposals to build six three-bedroom properties on the site were turned down by the city council. The proposals would have seen the one-time social building cleared.
Witnesses to last night's fire should call Staffordshire Police on 101 and quote incident 665 of November 14. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
