POLICE believe yesterday's fire in Horley could be linked to three recent sports club blazes.
Officers are investigating the early-morning incident in Massetts Road as arson, along with fires at the Old Reigatian Rugby Club in Park Lane on Saturday (June 28), Churchfields Bowls Club last Thursday (June 26) and at the Horley Lawn Tennis Club last Sunday (June 22).
Significant damage was caused on each occasion, and in the case of the tennis club, a building that was near to completion after four years of fundraising by the local community, was destroyed.
A reward of up to £2,000 is now being offered by the Crimestoppers charity for any information which leads to the arrest and charge of the offender.
Three fire crews were called to Massetts Road yesterday after a big stack of wooden pallets in front of the house went up in flames at about 3.30am.
A Horley firefighter said: "We managed to stop the fire spreading to a house next door which is being renovated, even though the flames got as high as its roof at one stage."
The building had been under renovation and nobody was inside at the time.
Reigate and Banstead Neighbourhood Inspector Andy Rundle said: "We are taking these fires extremely seriously and would like to reassure the affected communities that we are doing all we can to put a stop to these incidents.
"We are determined to bring whoever is responsible for these crimes to justice and hope the offer of a reward from Crimestoppers will help in doing so.
"These fires are dangerous and can potentially put lives at risk while destroying what are important facilities for many local people, while the latest incident damaged a home.
"I urge anyone who has seen anyone acting suspiciously in the areas of the offences, in the early hours of the morning to get in touch. Similarly, if you have seen anyone acting suspiciously near the buildings earlier in the day then we need to hear from you.
"If you do have any information about the culprit and are concerned about reporting it, you can do so anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or report it online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/."
A Surrey Fire & Rescue spokesman added: "We would encourage clubs to take advantage of our arson prevention advice to help them avoid this distressing experience, and residents to request a home fire safety visit. The freephone number to call to arrange either is 0800 085 0767."
The case is set to be featured on the BBC's Crimewatch Roadshow tomorrow at 9.15am on BBC One (July 3) with Detective Chief Inspector Antony Archibald being interviewed live from Redhill.
