Detectives investigating a fire which severely damaged the pavilion at Deal Town Football Club last night, (6 October), say the cause of the blaze is still unexplained.

The fire, which was reported to Kent Police just after 5.20pm, is being investigated by South Kent’s area major enquiry team.

Acting Detective Sergeant Darren Manktelow said: “Detectives, crime scene investigators and fire investigators from Kent Fire and Rescue Service have spent the morning at the football club trying to establish how the fire started.

“The cause is still unexplained so we are keeping an open mind and cannot rule out arson at this stage.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the St Leonard’s Road area of Deal yesterday afternoon and saw anyone acting suspiciously at the Charles Sports Ground to contact us,” he added.

The building was empty at the time and no-one was injured in the blaze.

If you have information phone Kent Police on 01622 690690 or Kent Crimestoopers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©