VANDALS have destroyed two porta cabins containing charity donations and sports equipment at a Wirral football club in an apparent arson.
Club officials at West Kirby FC are devasted by the destruction left at its grounds in Greenbank Road, that caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
One of the cabins contained hundreds of pounds worth of charitable donations that were to be sold to raise funds for the club's designated charity, Wirral Hospice St John's.
The other contained floodlight equipment and a new boiler which was to installed in the clubhouse once the current restrictions were lifted.
Fire crews were called to the club on Tuesday night after smoke was spotted drifting across the site by a neighbour.
Devastation caused by fire at West Kirby Football Club. Picture: West Kirby FC Facebook
The debris is being cleared away today, with hopes to replace the porta cabins in months.
Club official John Kearney described the incident as "devastating".
Car boot sales at the Greenbank Road ground are a vital part of the club's activities and have raised thousands of pounds for Wirral Hospice St John's, which provides free care for adult patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Mr Kearney told the Globe: "Obviously, we don't know who has done this; could have been adults or kids.
"It's just mindless vandalism and will have a massive impact not only on the football club but on our charities, particularly Wirral Hospice St John's, which is our designated charity.
"One of the porta cabins had contributions for St John's Hospice on it, so for someone to see that and set fire to is just terrible.
"The hospice won't lose out because of this, even if I have to give them the money myself."
Devastation caused by fire at West Kirby Football Club. Picture: West Kirby FC Facebook
Merseyside Fire & Rescue service said in a statement: "Firefighters were called to West Kirby Football Club on Greenbank Road on Tuesday.
"Crews were alerted at 6.20pm and on scene at 6.26pm. Three fire engines attended.
Devastation caused by fire at West Kirby Football Club. Picture: West Kirby FC Facebook
"On arrival crews found a fire involving two portacabins.
"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.
"Crews left the scene at 8.33pm."
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