Vandals smashed their way into a football club before ripping out sinks and setting the building on fire. Dukinfield Town and Youth FC is counting the cost of the severe damage left behind by a group of '10 to 15' yobs after the clubhouse was left flooded and with a collapsed ceiling.
But the Tameside club could have lost everything had firefighters not been so quick on the scene. Club officials say the mindless vandals smashed into a safe and made their way into the clubhouse before causing carnage last Thursday night (June 15).
Lights were smashed, paint was thrown outside the building and even a lifesaving defibrillator was broken. A member of the coaching staff, who asked not to be named, told the Manchester Evening News: "They've got in, trashed the place and started setting it on fire.
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"They've ripped radiators off the wall and toilets, it's flooded. The fire brigade turned up - had they not arrived as quick as they did it would have been a different matter."
With smoke damage and a collapsed ceiling caused by the fire, the vandals' reckless actions are expected to cost the club tens of thousands of pounds, and a JustGiving page has been launched to support the community club. "We've never had this issue before," the coach added.
"We've had people playing football on the pitches, that's understandable. But people acting like this is to the extreme.
"A lot of people are upset. It's a good community in Dukinfield and the club is a massive part of it."
Greater Manchester Police confirmed a 13-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of arson without intent to endanger life following the incident. She has since been released on bail.
Officers are continuing with their enquiries. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Shortly before 8.30pm on Thursday, June 15, firefighters were called out to a fire in a club house at Dukinfield Town and Youth Football Club on Coronation Avenue, Dukinfield.
“Two fire engines from Hollins and Stalybridge fire stations attended the scene where firefighters extinguished the fire using a jet, a ventilation fan and lighting equipment. Fire crews were on scene for approximately two hours and 30 minutes.”
Anyone with information about the incident can contact GMP online or on 101, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. To see the fundraiser, click here.
