Pen Mill Ladies Football Club in Yeovil has been left reeling after a deliberate fire broke out in one of their changing rooms, causing severe damage to the building, equipment, and kit. The incident occurred at Johnson Park on the evening of Tuesday, June 17, around 9:30 pm.
Emergency services responded promptly to extinguish the blaze, which was started outside the building and quickly spread inside. Firefighters from Yeovil Fire Station used breathing apparatus and multiple jets to control the fire, which resulted in 20% fire damage and 100% smoke damage to the affected changing room.
CCTV footage from the scene captured a group of young men nearby at the time of the fire, and the club is urging anyone with information to come forward. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that they are investigating the arson after a bin was set on fire, which then caused damage to neighbouring storage areas and changing rooms. Officers are particularly interested in tracing two white males, described as late teens or early twenties, seen nearby wearing grey and black-and-white tracksuits.
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The fire has had a devastating impact on the volunteer-led club, destroying all equipment stored in the room and leaving the team heartbroken. As cleanup and repairs get underway, the club estimates the replacement costs could run into thousands of pounds.
While thankfully no injuries were reported, Pen Mill Ladies Football Club is calling on the community, especially parents, to help those responsible take accountability. The club has also reported other fires started in the Johnson Park vicinity, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety in the area.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact Avon and Somerset Police quoting reference 5225169410, or reach out confidentially to Crimestoppers.