MEMBERS of a junior football club have been left devastated after a suspected arson attack destroyed dozens of items of equipment.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue were called to Victoria Park in Tranmere, home of Victoria Colts Junior Football Club, just after 8.30pm last night (October 15) to reports that an equipment hut was on fire.

It is thought that the blaze, which Merseyside Fire and Rescue has said was a case of "deliberate ignition" destroyed sports equipment including balls, nets and kits.

Around 200 children regularly use the club's facilities.

Writing on the club's Facebook page, a spokesperson for the club, said: "When you get a phone call to say what I can only describe as rats have ruined what we have put together since 1994 . Absolutely gutted thank you for stopping our kids playing the sports they love and the coaches who train them stop what they enjoy doing."

The club has now launched a GoFundMe page as they look to recover from the fire.

A statement on the page read: "As a lot of local people have seen, the containers containing all the colts equipment has been subject to an arson attack.

"The club has been using this since 1994 and thousands of kids over the years have been and used this equipment. The goals, nets, balls, flags, ropes, boots, cost of repairing/replacing the containers, the list continues.

"Without this equipment, it is going to be difficult for the hundreds of kids at the club to be able to host games or even train. These kids range from tiny tots through to teenagers and young adults.

"Everyone, everywhere has had some part in youth football but not everyone understands the cost. What these arsonists have done could potentially ruined a large and longstanding local club.

"We ask if you can spare whatever you can afford to help get the vital equipment needed to keep these kids playing football."

In just nine hours over £8,000 had been raised thanks to donations from individuals and other sports organisations.

A donation of £50 came from the Tranmere Rovers Supporters Club who wrote: "We were really sad to see the mindless damage done to the equipment. Grass roots football is vital for the larger football picture plus we also support our local kids in teams such as this as it creates a lot more in terms of team building, friendships etc. We hope you raise the target quickly and can get back up and running ASAP!"

Donations to the GoFundMe page can be made here