- Crews were called to Heathcoat Cricket Club at Knightshayes Court on Friday
Police have launched an investigation after a fire ripped through a historic cricket club pavilion on the site of a 19th century Grade I listed house.
Fire crews were called to Heathcoat Cricket Club at Knightshayes Court — a Victorian country house near Tiverton, Devon — on Friday morning.
Upon arrival Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service found the wooden clubhouse already engulfed in flames.
Now, members of the cricket club have been left ‘shocked and saddened’ by the incident but thanked the fire service for their efforts in tackling the fire.
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The cause of the blaze is not yet known, and a fundraising appeal to rebuild the clubhouse has raised as much as £900 at the time of writing.
A spokesperson for Heathcoat Cricket Club said everyone connected to the club and in the cricketing community ‘are deeply shocked and saddened by these events’.
‘On behalf of everyone at the club we wish to thank Devon and Cornwall Fire Brigade for their assistance and efforts to control the fire.
‘It is still a very raw and emotional time for everyone involved… but with the pain comes the opportunities to rebuild.
Upon arrival Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service found the wooden clubhouse engulfed in flames (pictured)
A spokesperson for Heathcoat Cricket Club said everyone connected to the club and in the cricketing community ‘are deeply shocked and saddened by these events’. Pictured: The remains of the clubhouse
‘We were incredibly proud of our remarkable clubhouse, however a club is more than just a building.
‘A club is defined by its community and rest assured we will rebuild the clubhouse.
‘We will keep everyone updated as and when we have any information and plans surrounding matches and bookings.’
Matt Theedom, managing director of the Devon Cricket Foundation, also issued a statement.
He said: ‘Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to everyone associated with Heathcoat Cricket Club.
Fire crews work to put out the clubhouse which was engulfed in flames
A fire engine pulls up at the site of the blaze in Tiverton, Devon
‘Having supported the club and witnessed the hard work, blood, sweat and tears that went into building the clubhouse, it’s heartbreaking to see.
‘I have no doubt that the Devon cricket community will rally around to support Heathcoat and its members at this distressing time.
‘The Devon Cricket Foundation and England and Wales Cricket Board will of course be supporting the club to recover and get back on its feet as soon as possible.’
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