£5,000 has been raised after a popular club in a Fenland town was targeted by arsonists. 

The Wisbech & District Ex Services on Alexandra Road was left damaged following the attack, which happened in the early hours of Monday January 1.

A GoFundMe page has since been launched by Trudy Furness to raise money towards building repairs.

The fundraiser has a target of £10,000 and £5,300 has already been raised. 

She said the fire has “left staff, the committee, and its members in utter disbelief.

“How could someone intentionally set out to destroy a non-profit organisation where our members including ex-service personnel who are in most days of the week?

“They come to the club for the company of the club’s other members and are the only people they talk to day to day.

“They have a few drinks and watch their favourite sports, play cue sports, listen to music, attend events, competitions, tournaments and generally socialise - everyone knows everyone.” 

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She added that the club is “in a bad way, although it seems to be structurally sound.

“Most of the internal damage is far beyond repair, with the majority of it needing to be stripped back, cleaned and rebuilt, which could take months.

“While we keep our hopes pinned on the perpetrators being brought to justice, our focus is to get to work and rebuild our very special club.

“We thank each and every one of you who has reached out to offer support and assistance. It is very much appreciated. 

“Those that rallied to help secure the building after the fire brigade and police released it back to committee, a massive thank you also.” 

She added that, although the insurance covers bringing the club back with fixtures, fittings, carpet, paint, electrical and plumbing, the club has “limited cover for everything else, including equipment, projectors, TVs, soundsystem, in-house stream setup, table cameras. 

“We are going to fall short. We need your help more than ever - anything you can spare, or running fundraisers while we get to work, it would be much appreciated. 

“We have one of the best community clubs around; let’s get it back on its feet as quick as we can! 

“Whatever you can do we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

To donate visit https://gofund.me/8637349a

Emergency services were called after fire broke out at Wisbech and District Ex-Services Club, in Alexandra Road, Wisbech, at about 4.20am on Monday January 1.

The blaze, which is believed to have been started on the ground floor, caused serious damage to the building, which was unoccupied.

Detectives are now appealing for witnesses following the suspected arson attack.

Detective Constable Chris Goodman, who is investigating, said: “We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area from about 4am to 4.30am.

“I am particularly keen to speak to two members of the public who had a young child with them and were in the area at that time, and encourage them to come forward as they may have information which could help with our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting 35/67/24, or report online at www.cambs.police.uk/report.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org