Police appeal over arson at Thatto Heath Crusaders

Firefighters attended the blaze last Friday evening, August 26 and crews 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.

A police investigation into the fire is ongoing and officers have now issued an appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

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A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We have launched an investigation following a suspected arson in St Helens on Friday, August 26.

"At around 4.55pm, MFRS called officers to Thatto Heath Crusaders Rugby League Club on Close Street to reports of the training barn on fire.

"Nobody was injured but significant damage was caused, and we are keen to speak to anyone with information. Forensic, CCTV and other inquiries are ongoing.

"If you saw, heard or captured anything suspicious around the time of the incident, please come forward via @MerPolCC with reference 22000633322."

Firefighters attended last Friday

Thatto Heath Crusaders 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," he said.

"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."

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

• Visit bit.ly/3RiOeyO to donate.