Arson attack on Boreham Wood FC (From Borehamwood Times)

Arson attack on Boreham Wood FC

1:32pm Friday 3rd December 2004 in News By LOUISA BARNETT

Intruders caused more than £50,000 worth of damage to Boreham Wood Football Club after deliberately setting fire to its offices.

A passer-by spotted 15 foot-high flames pouring out of the club in Meadow Park Road at around 1.30am in the early hours of Friday morning last week and called the fire brigade.

Three fire engines rushed to the scene and managed to stop the flames from gutting the entire building.

On Friday, investigating firefighters confirmed that it had been an arson attack.

Danny Hunter, chairman and owner of the club, said: "I am in total shock the place looks like the Black Hole of Calcutta. The people who did this are total low-lifes.

"So much of Borehamwood gets ruined by these mindless thugs vandalising people's property without sparing a thought for those terrorised by it."

The main office and a smaller accounts office were destroyed, along with the foyer and toilets. The function room and bar, in the same building, escaped with only minor smoke damage.

Police believe that the arsonists entered the building through the main office window and stole computer equipment, before setting the building on fire.

The stolen items, including a colour printer, hard drive, and a monitor, were all later found dumped in woodland just yards from the club.

Mr Hunter, who has spent thousands of pounds of his own money building up the club and providing facilities for the community, said that he had considered quitting as chairman following the attack.

"Myself and the rest of the community are devastated," he said. "When I first saw what had happened, I just wanted to walk away from it and never come back.

"What changed my mind was the unbelievable support we have received from the local councillors and Borehamwood residents who care about their football club - they are as appalled by this as I am."

He added: "I have every confidence they will catch the people who did this - I hope they are in prison in time for Christmas."

Despite the fire, the club continued with its football programme immediately, hosting an FA Trophy match on Saturday.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward regarding the incident.

Detective Constable Parvin Bansropun said: "We would like to speak to anybody who may have been in the area at the time or may have information about this offence.

"Anyone who comes forward will be treated with the strictest confidentiality."

If you have any information, call 01707 638 233, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.