A "BEAUTIFUL" sports club has been devastated by what members fear was a "targeted arson".

Firefighters battled a blaze at Paultons Cricket Club in the early hours of this 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.

Bosses at the facility, in Whitemoor Lane, Ower, posted on Facebook and said: "So we’ve woken up this morning to the devastating news that our beautiful cricket club has been targeted by arson.

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"Words cannot describe how we are feeling but we will not be beaten.

"Once the dust settles we will know the extent of the damage but the away changing room and pool room are gone.

"Any help from local organisations or trades would be gratefully received when the rebuild starts."

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.

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"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.

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Kimberley Barber