A FIRE broke out in the grounds of a football club destroying a third of the main stand in the suspected arson attack.

Radcliffe Borough FC officials are counting the cost of the devastating fire – but stressed they would be working around the clock to host tomorrow's match.

Three fire engines were mobilised to the ground off Pilkington Road, Radcliffe, at 7.30pm on Sunday.

The blaze destroyed the press box, where it started, before spreading to the PA system room and to the outdoor seating area in the main stand.

There has been an outpouring of support for the non-league side from other football clubs and offers of help from the local community.

Chairman Paul Hilton, was on site until 1am on Monday and was back at the ground just hours later.

He said: "A third of the stand has been damaged and the press box has gone. I was just gutted when I heard what had happened, especially because the work we do in the community and this is a club for the community. This is what makes it so upsetting."

Mr Hilton said: "The fire is thought to be 99.9 per cent arson. We have had problems with vandalism and it has escalated.
"People have broken into the press box three times, once they just broke in, then they caused a mess and smashed in the walls and now this.

"I  saw a two lads and a girl climb over the wall when I was working one night, and they ran away as soon as they saw me.

"The police are aware of the vandalism and the club is in the community so if anyone sees anything suspicious please contact the police’s 101 number or the club."

Mr Hilton praised the quick response of the fire service and the response from the community.

He said: "It restores the sense of community and shows the vast majority of people are respectful and supportive, we had a fantastic response.

"It makes us even more determined to continue doing what we are doing and improving the ground.We will be here today working for the match."

The club will be meeting to discuss how to enhance security further, which will include the possibility of CCTV.

Pete Lofthouse, community trust officer and operations manager, said: "Overnight and in the morning we have had people contacting us to see how they can help, parents whose children came her. We have had so much support."

Watch manager at Bury Fire Station Steve Urmston said: " The fire was fully developed as we arrived.

"We were on the scene for one-and-a-half-hours and the police were also requested."

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.

A police spokesman was not available for comment.