Fresh Appeal For Witnesses After Dunipace FC Pitch Deliberately Set On Fire

Police have issued a fresh appeal for information after a football pitch was deliberately torched.

Dunipace FC is facing a £300,000 bill after the artificial 4G surface at Westfield Park in Denny was set on fire.

The alarm was raised on Saturday morning, but investigating officers believe the vandalism may have occurred earlier.

Inspector Colin Sutherland said: “We believe the fire was burning for a time before we were called, and I am appealing for anyone who was in the area on Friday 19 May into Saturday 20 May who may have seen anything that could assist us to get in touch.

“Additionally, I would appeal to anyone who was driving in the area and who may have dashcam footage which could help to contact us.”

Police Scotland said there were no reports of any injuries.

A crowd funder set up on behalf of the East of Scotland league side has since raised more than £15,000.

A spokesperson for the club told Sky News: “The response from the local community and wider football family has been nothing short of incredible.”

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Club praises ‘incredible’ support as it faces £300,000 repair bill

While the club is hopeful its insurance will cover the cost of the repairs to the pitch itself, donations collected from the fundraiser will help make up for any income lost due to fixtures and events being moved away from the ground.

Inspector Sutherland added: “We are treating the fire as wilful and our enquiries are ongoing.

“This fire has caused a significant amount of damage and will have a lasting impact on the local community.”