Arson probe at boundary park
Reporter: RICHARD HOOTON
Date published: 23 August 2010
Photo: Picture by Chronicle reader Donna Young
FIRE drama . . . Latics fire in hospitality suite.
A SUSPECTED arson attack at Boundary Park has put the dampners on the League One club’s flying start to the season.
A hospitality box at the Latics ground was destroyed in a blaze at 5.40pm yesterday and two adjoining boxes damaged.
Firefighters rushed to the stadium to extinguish the flames and prevent it spreading — saving the club from a potential disaster.
Club bosses estimate the fire caused up to £40,000 worth of damage and will lose thousands more in lost revenue and the loss of a bar area.
They are now working to make the area safe in time for Saturday’s home game with Yeovil but are confident the match will go ahead.
As well as building work, it will cost time and money to fix the electricity supply that was also affected.
Chief executive Alan Hardy said a review of CCTV footage had shown two youths aged around 14 to 15 climbing over a fence to get into the ground.
He said: “It’s quite serious and looks like arson. I’m absolutely gutted. The club and team are doing very well and riding high at the top of the league and then it knocks you back when this happens.
“Knowing there are youngsters in the borough prepared to do this sickens you.”
The hospitality suites are near the corner flag on the Broadway side of the ground. Structural engineers will be called in today to see if it’s safe to use the area beneath the damaged boxes.
The manufacturers will also be called to see how they can be repaired or replaced.
Mr Hardy added: “I would not have thought we would be able to use the box again because of the damage.
“But I don’t think there will be any problems with the match on Saturday.”
A police spokesman said: “A fire had been started in the seating area (the disabled section) below the hospitality suite. Inquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police in Oldham on 0161 856 8954 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
