PICTURED: Former Walsall football ground targeted in suspected arson attack
A fire at a former football ground in Walsall is being treated as arson - just months after the main stand was set alight in a suspected arson attack.
Ten firefighters were called to the scene of the blaze at the site of the former Darlaston Town Football Club, in Slater Street yesterday afternoon after a mound of rubbish in the changing rooms had been set on fire causing smoke to fill the room.
Two crews from Willenhall and Wednesbury were called just after 2pm after they were alerted to the incident by police officers.
It has been confirmed that an investigation is now underway to find the perpetrators of the blaze.
The ground is currently vacant and owned by the council.
A spokesperson for West Midlands fire service said: "We received a call at eight minutes past two yesterday afternoon, the call originated from the police.
"We had two fire crews and ten fire fighters at the scene in Slater Street, Darlaston.
"A small amount of rubbish on fire was located in the changing rooms. Two fire fighters with breathing apparatus, one hose reel and a positive pressure ventilation fan were used to extinguish the fire and remove the smoke.
"Crews left the scene at around 3.10pm. The police have contacted the council to re-board the building. "The incident is believed to be arson and it is now in the hands of the police."
The ground was first a victim of suspected arson when the main stand was set alight in November last year, when it took an hour-and-a-half for the fire service to put out the blaze and secure the area in what was described as 'a severe fire'.
The heat from the flames was also said to have damaged window frames to properties in nearby Slater Street.
Anyone who witnessed the incident on Sunday is asked to call the police on the 101 number.
