MEMBERS of a bowling club say they have been left devastated by a "senseless" arson attack on its premises.

Eccleston Bowling Club on Knowsley Road was torched in the early hours of Saturday morning (September 2) and fire crews spent one hour and 40 minutes tackling the flames.

The club is more than 130 years old and has been a central part of the community with more than 400 members, with eight bowling teams and snooker, darts and dominoes also played there.

Members say they have been left shocked by the blaze, which is believed to have been started on the roof and police are treating as "suspicious".

The club's concert room has been destroyed with a hole in the roof and smoke damage to the bar while there is also damage in the toilets and games room. Although the club does not yet know how much repairs will cost, it is estimated to be around £20,000 to £30,000.

"The community is devastated, especially the older people," said club steward Paul Smith, 56.

"The club has been open since 1883, it's just devastating to everybody. They have killed 130 years worth of history, especially if we can't get back to normal. What sentence can you put on that?

"Hopefully they can catch who did this, it's just senseless. We certainly want these people caught as soon as possible."

Paul, from Eccleston, said the fire has affected people's livelihoods and has already been overwhelmed by the public response and people offering to help clear out.

"People who have been coming for 30 or 40 years have come for a quick look and they are crying, it's just unbelievable.

"It's their club and community and it's our club and it means a lot to a lot of people. It is livelihoods. People rely on their wages, we have nine staff and a cleaner who are full time and they are all devastated. It's not just the building, it has affected the whole community.

"There are that many people writing on social media and saying they'll come and clean up. And the Black Bull has been fantastic."

A statement from Merseyside Police said: "The fire was reported at 2.50am. It is believed it started on the roof of the club and damage was caused to the exterior and interior of the building.

"The fire is being treated as suspicious and a joint investigation into the fire is currently underway with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. CCTV enquiries are being carried out in the local area.

"Anyone with any information which could help officers is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 6811 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111."