AN AMATEUR rugby league club says it has has been left "devastated" after its training barn was torched for the second time within three years.

Firefighters attended the blaze at Thatto Heath Crusaders' facility on Friday evening, August 26.

Firefighters spent more than 90 minutes at the scene tackling the flames.

The club says "extensive damage" has been suffered to the core of the structure as well as the 4G playing surface. The cost of the damage will likely exceed £80,000.

St Helens Star: Damage was caused to the training barn by the arsonDamage was caused to the training barn by the arson

A police investigation into the fire is ongoing.

In a statement, Thatto Heath Crusaders said it was the second such attack in two years.

Club chairman Mike Denning described the fire as "heartbreaking" and hopes the community can support the club.

"I'm really disappointed and sad, how you can have two arson attacks inside three years. It is heartbreaking."

He added: "There are a lot more good people than bad people and we hope those who gave us support when this happened (in 2020), we got a lot of support and we are pulling on the same areas again to get us back up and running."

St Helens Star: Firefighters attended the blaze on Friday Firefighters attended the blaze on Friday

Thatto Heath Crusaders said in a statement on social media: "On Friday, August 26, 2022 our 4G Training Barn that is used by the whole club, community groups and many other sports teams from all ages, was hit by an arson attack.

"The second such attack in two years.

"This has devastated the club and all its members who work so hard to provide for so many."

A fundraising page has been set up for the club to raise money for barn repairs.