A NEW witness appeal has been launched by detectives in East Surrey following a second suspected arson attack at the Old Reigatian Rugby Club in Park Lane in the last two weeks.
This latest incident damaged about 25 per cent of the roof at the club, according to fire fighters at the scene, who were called at about 4.40am this morning.
Seven pumps, five hose reels and three jets all attended to battle the blaze.
There were no reports of any persons trapped or any injuries and an investigation is being carried out into the cause of the fire which is being treated as suspicious at this time.
It is the latest of a number of suspicious fires at local sports clubs in recent weeks.
The rugby club was the target of a previous arson attack at the other end of the clubhouse on June 28.
Other blazes have taken place at the Horley Lawn Tennis Club in Vicarage Lane on June 22, the Churchfields Bowls Club in Church Walk, Reigate on June 26 and a property in Massetts Road, Horley on July 2.
Following those incidents, Crimestoppers offered a reward of up to £2,000 for any information passed to them which leads to the arrest and charge of an offender.
A 43-year-old man from Epsom was arrested on July 5 in connection with those fires and was released on bail until August 21.
Officers from the Reigate and Banstead Safer Neighbourhood Team have been speaking to local residents to offer advice around security following the recent incidents while there will be additional patrols and an increased police presence in the area over the weekend following the latest fire.
T/Detective Chief Inspector Antony Archibald said: "This is the second blaze at the rugby club in the last couple of weeks and we are investigating the potential link between this and other fires across the area.
"I would like to reassure local residents that we remain determined to bring a stop to these incidents and bring whoever is responsible to justice. This criminality causes misery and distress for those who run such community facilities and the people that use them. It is also extremely dangerous and is potentially putting lives at risk.
"I am appealing for anyone who was in the area of Park Lane last night and witnessed any suspicious activity to come forward.
"I would also ask all residents in the area, particularly those living close to sports clubs and community groups, to remain vigilant and report anything out of the ordinary to police immediately. I would urge anyone with information about who is responsible for this, or any of the other fires, to contact us or Crimestoppers if they prefer to remain anonymous."
Anyone with any information should contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference P14200970.
The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111
