A FUNDRAISER to help rebuild a sports club that was gutted by an alleged arson has already raised thousands.

The GoFundMe in aid of Paultons Cricket Club was set up by Ryan Collingwood at around midday yesterday (January 27).

But it has already seen almost £8,000 in donations – with one anonymous person sending in £1,000.

As previously reported, firefighters battled a blaze at the facility in Whitemoor Lane in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Crews from Redbridge, Romsey, St Mary’s and Eastleigh arrived to find half of the building engulfed in flames, with a nearby vehicle destroyed in the fire.

The GoFundMe says: "Unfortunately Paultons Cricket Club was the victim of an arson attack overnight and as a result we are now in a position where we have to rebuild the club. We’re still not sure of the full damage but we all know that a long road is ahead.

"Paultons roots stretch back as far as 1890, with the current facility being built in 1957. A focal point of the community for many years, we run 3 adult sides and a plethora of youth sides, all servicing the local community.

"As a small business, we don’t have the luxury of having money spare to supplement the work that will be covered by our insurance, so we’re looking for help from the local community to help us get back up and running as soon as possible.

"Any and all donations will be massively appreciated!"

Firefighters used two sets of breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and two main jets to extinguish the fire, before ventilation fans were used to clear smoke.

They continued to dampen down the scene before returning to their stations following the stop message at 8.12am.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "A vehicle was located at the rear of the premises alight, which had then spread to a wooden cricket pavilion building.

"Police enquires remain ongoing and we are working with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.

"Did you see what happened? Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area?"

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference number 44220035829.

The club runs three adult sides and a selection of youth sides, all servicing the local community.

Donate to the GoFundMe by clicking here.