Members of a football club have been left "absolutely gutted" after their club's heritage was destroyed in a suspicious fire.
The fire at Witham Town FC, which is being treated as suspected arson, destroyed a demountable building next to the main clubhouse in Spa Road.
It was spotted at about 9.25pm on Friday night, while there was a function taking place in the clubhouse, and the fire brigade were called.
Two fire engines were called from the Witham station and firefighters wore breathing apparatus while they spent about an hour tackling the blaze.
But while their efforts saved the main clubhouse from serious damage the contents of the demountable building were completely destroyed.
They included the financial records, computers and office equipment, and archives dating back to before Witham Town FC was founded in its current form in the early 1970s.
Alan Collins, chairman of Witham Town FC, said: "We're absolutely gutted with it, we've lost a lot of the club's history."
Mr Collins said the club had suffered numerous mindless attacks from vandals and arsonists in the past, including one incident where seats in the stand were burned.
Information on the fire to Witham police on 01376 501212.
Published Monday May 24, 2004
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