Macclesfield stadium fire under investigation
Macclesfield’s stadium was set on fire in a suspected arson attempt on Tuesday morning, reports BritPanorama.
Emergency services responded to the blaze at Moss Rose, known for sponsorship reasons as the Leasing.com Stadium. Two fire engines attended the scene, where an outbuilding adjacent to the club’s shop was confirmed to be alight.
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service reported that two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus managed to tackle the flames using hose reel water jets, remaining at the site until around 4:30 AM. An initial investigation indicates that the fire was started deliberately, according to a statement from the fire service.
Flames were visible over the stadium wall, prompting passersby to capture footage. Local authorities have advised residents to stay away from the scene and keep their windows shut as precaution. In a statement, the club reassured fans that the situation was under control, stating, “There are no casualties and investigations are already underway into the cause of the fire.”
Macclesfield has made headlines for their impressive performance in the FA Cup, notably defeating Crystal Palace earlier in the year. Manager John Rooney expressed pride in his team’s achievements despite challenges. The club, currently competing in the sixth tier of English football, is set to travel for their next match against Darlington tonight.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by smaller clubs in the community. As the investigation continues, it highlights a troubling trend of violence affecting sport venues, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures in the future.