POLICE are treating an attack on North Tawton Rugby Club last Wednesday night as arson.
The clubhouse was broken into and a plastic chair set alight but the culprits made off when they were disturbed by the burglar alarm after stealing two CD decks and disco lights valued at £1,000.
An aerosol was used to make a flame thrower and the fire extended to a second chair and table before burning itself out.
Police said the attack was discovered by the rugby team when they turned up for training on Thursday at 6.45pm.
'It happened after 9pm on Wednesday evening but because the club is not overlooked and it probably happened overnight, nobody in the vicinity saw or heard anything,' said PC Leigh Phippard.
'This incident could have burnt the whole place down and subsequently is being treated as arson.'
Spokesperson for North Tawton Rugby Club Phil Hoggins said the players were furious that someone could do something like this.
The burglar alarm would normally go off when the premises were entered but it was found to have a fault, he said.
'The clubhouse was built with a £195,000 lottery grant five years ago and has a big hall, bar, four changing rooms, kitchen and toilet,' said Mr Hoggins.
'It is not only used by the club but by other groups in the community and for functions.
'We think it must have been kids with nothing better to do to who committed this mindless act — it's very lucky the building is made of block, sand and mortar and steel and cannot be readily set fire to or the whole place would have gone up in flames'
If anyone has information regarding this crime they should call 08705 777444 and ask for PC Leigh Phippard at Okehampton Police Station.