Blaze at Saffron Walden Cricket Club

A FIRE has caused substantial damage to Saffron Walden Cricket Pavilion just weeks before the start of the new season. Station Officer Ritchie Farrant said: A bonfire was started in front of the steps outside the building on Tuesday evening. We received

A FIRE has caused substantial damage to Saffron Walden Cricket Pavilion just weeks before the start of the new season.

Station Officer Ritchie Farrant said: "A bonfire was started in front of the steps outside the building on Tuesday evening. We received a call at 9.10pm and by the time we arrived the building was well alight.

"It looks like the contents of a waste bin were set on fire; also a piece of carpet has been dragged over and added to the flames."

Two fire engines and 10 firefighters from Saffron Walden spent two hours tackling the blaze at the Anglo American Playing Fields, Catons Lane. Firefighters used a piece of equipment called a spray plate to protect a nearby propane gas tank.

Empty beer cans were found near to the bonfire and police believe acts of vandalism were caused to the roof of the building before the fire spread. The incident is being treated as suspicious.

Captain of Saffron Walden Cricket Club Neil Gladwin said: "I believe that the home changing room is badly damaged and that will have to be looked at before the start of the season, but we're not going to let this affect us on the pitch."

Firefighters believe that the bonfire was started at about 7.30pm. "This is a busy area with people often out walking their dogs and we would urge anyone who saw anything to contact Saffron Walden Police Station on 0300 333 4444," said SO Farrant.