Arsonists set fire to a derelict rugby union club base on the northern edge of the Harborough district

Arsonists who have seriously damaged a derelict rugby union club base on the northern edge of the Harborough district are being hunted by police.

Firebugs torched the disused two-storey building on Covert Lane, Scraptoft, late on Sunday night (October 4).

Firefighters were called to the blaze, which sent flames and smoke hundreds of feet up into the air, at the former home of Stoneygate Rugby Football Club just before 11pm.

The spectacular fire could be seen for miles around.

Crews manning two appliances from Leicester’s Eastern station, one engine from the city’s Central station and an aerial ladder platform from Birstall rushed to the scene.

“Upon arrival incident confirmed as two-storey derelict building involved in fire, this is a disused rugby club building.

“Fire located on 1st floor well alight,” said Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

“An additional two fire engines were requested.”

Firefighters used three main jets and a hose reel jet to tackle the flames.

Crewmen were still at the scene this afternoon (Monday) damping down as the charred building continued to smoulder.

A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service control room spokesman said the fire had been started deliberately.

“We have had a fire investigator at the scene today along with police carrying out an investigation.

“The building suffered 80 per cent fire damage so it’s been very badly damaged,” he said.

“The building is fairly remote, it’s tucked away down a lane.

“We have been there several times in the past tackling fires.”

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: “Police were contacted by the fire service just before 7am today (Monday) following a fire overnight at a disused building in Covert Lane, Scraptoft.

“From initial enquiries, it is believed the fire was started deliberately.

“The building was empty and no injuries have been reported.

“Further enquiries are being carried out into the full circumstances of the incident.”

She urged anyone who has any information about the fire to contact police on 101 quoting incident 83 of 5 October.