Rugby club confident police will catch training barn ‘arsonists’

Thatto Heath amateur rugby league club’s training barn was set ablaze on Saturday evening.

The club says extensive damage has been caused to the building’s structure and the 4G artificial surface.

Thatto Heath ARLFC posted more pictures showing the damage on Sunday morning
 

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the blaze, with police visiting the venue in Close Street, Thatto Heath to examine CCTV footage of the incident.

In a statement on social media the club said: “Thank you to @MerseyPolice for their attendance this am and collating evidence.

"Confident with the CCTV we have on site and information received that individuals will be getting a visit very soon #justicewillbedone.”

Thatto Heath stressed the barn is insured, however, an online fundraising page has been set up by the club to help cover costs its teams will have to face, which include finding alternative premises in the short-term.

The lack of the facility is set to cause disruption to various teams’ pre-season training schedules.

In a statement on the gofundme page Thatto Heath said: “On Saturday, January 4, 2020 our 4G Training Barn that is used by the whole club, community groups and many other sports teams from all ages, was hit by an arson attack.

“This has devastated the club and all its members who work so hard to provide for so many.

“Extensive damage has been suffered to the core of the structure as well as the 4G playing service (which alone costs £60k) and the roof.

“Whilst we are insured and are working hard to recover from the situation there will be lots of other costs that the club will have to bear. 

“Not least we now have to find alternative training facilities for all of our own teams and have lost what was a vital stream of income from external groups who paid to rent the barn.

“The support and offers of help we have received so far from the wider community and Rugby League family has been overwhelming.

“We have setup this page to try and help us cover some of these costs. Any donation you can make however small will be appreciated.

“If anyone would like to offer other services or items please comment below or email info@thattoheathcrusaders.org.

“Thanks to Merseyside Fire and Rescue and the Police for their support. 

“If anyone has any information to assist the investigation please email the Club on the above address or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting Job ID 651 from 4th Jan.”

To support the fundraising page click here