A FIRE at a sports clubhouse in Basingstoke is being treated as arson, police have confirmed.
As previously reported, a fire broke out at 5am at the Maidenwell Pavilion on Monday, September 1. Around 60 firefighters from crews across Hampshire tackled the blaze, with the stop message being given at 9am.
Basingstoke Hockey Club and Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club, lost all the equipment stored in the tunnel.
Some of the damage caused to the building(Image: Newsquest)
Now, police have confirmed the incident is being treated as arson.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We can confirm that a fire that took place at the Maidenwell Pavilion at Down Grange in Basingstoke is being treated as arson.
"We were notified by colleagues at the fire service about the fire, which took place shortly after 5am on Monday 1 September.
"The fire caused considerable damage to the building and equipment that was being stored there.
"Due to the limited lines of enquiry, the incident has been filed pending further information coming to light.
"We would urge anyone with information about what happened to call us on 101, quoting the crime reference number 44250395728, or via our website -https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
"We are also aware of other reports of anti-social behaviour at the Down Grange site in recent weeks.
"Officers from Basingstoke's Neighbourhood Policing Team have been carrying out increased patrols in the area, and will work with partners to look at crime prevention measures."