ARSONISTS are believed to be behind a fire which completely destroyed a cricket club's storage hut at Felixstowe.

ARSONISTS are believed to be behind a fire which completely destroyed a cricket club's storage hut at Felixstowe.

The blaze ripped through the wooden building, which has been attacked several times over the years by vandals.

There was an attempt to burn it down earlier in the season, and this time the hooligans succeeded.

Firefighters were called to Coronation Park sports ground, Mill Lane, around 2.40am to find the six by three metre hut well alight.

It was used by the Felixstowe Corinthians for scorekeepers, storing kit and making refreshments.

The crews managed to stop the blaze spreading to gardens adjoining the sports field. All that is left today is charred remains.

Police said the fire was being treated as suspicious.

Chris Bettin, a member of the Corinthians committee and second team vice captain, said players and officials were “totally and utterly gutted”.

He added: “We don't know what is going to happen now and the committee will need to sit down and talk about what we will do.”

The club has been negotiating a new lease with the council and has looked at the possibility of seeking lottery funding for a more substantial and durable building.

Residents around the ground were shocked by the incident.

One said: “The club has had the hut there for years but the kids just use it as a target. It's a real shame. What on earth were people doing messing about on the playing field at 2.30am?”

A police spokeswoman appealed for anyone who saw people in the area or on the sports ground, had anyone come home smelling of smoke, or knows who caused the fire to contact Felixstowe police on 01473 613500.

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