A BRADFORD League cricket club has been targeted by arsonists who started a blaze causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to the clubhouse.

New Farnley Cricket Club and West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after CCTV caught two people on camera deliberately setting fire to the cricket club late Monday night.

Police were called to the club on Lawns Lane, New Farnley, at 11.10pm and are investigating the incident, which is being treated as arson.

According to the club, the fire was started in the log store at the side of the building. The blaze spread quickly grew and engulfed the roof space of the clubhouse causing substantial damage.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “Officers are investigating the incident which is being treated as arson and any witnesses are asked to call police on 101 quoting crime reference 13200439115.”

The club, which plays in the Bradford Cricket League and runs junior and senior teams, hopes to fulfil the remainder of their fixtures but admits its finances will take a hit due to the attack.

It is understood refurbishment, which is expected to cost £100,000, could take at least three months, and the cafe at the club has had to close again just weeks after welcoming back customers.

Club chairman John Baldwin told Bradford Cricket League: “The metal on the roof is badly damaged and the interior has suffered huge damage.

“We will only know if the roof supports have been compromised when we are able to take down the ceiling and inspect them.

“This is a big blow for the club and such a senseless act. I was called by the Fire Brigade just after midnight to be told the building was on fire.

“It was a huge shock and seeing the damage in the daylight brought home just how much of the building had been affected.”

A crowdfunding appeal to help raise £5,000 for New Farnley CC has already raised more than £3,700.

The appeal can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/newfarnleyfire.

Despite the fire, New Farnley are insisting that Saturday's home Premier Division League Cup game with Wrenthorpe will go ahead.