Cessnock police are appealing for witnesses after a deliberately lit fire destroyed a sporting complex at Abermain.
Wheelie bins were placed underneath the eves of the amenities building at Howe Park in William Street sometime after 6 last night.
The fire quickly spread to the roof and engulfed the building.
Chief Inspector Dave Robinson says the building was used by the local football and cricket clubs.
"It contained their sporting equipment; had the stock in their canteen - all this gear belongs to not-for-profit sporting groups. It's all been lost. So, police are really seeking the assistance of anyone who can give us any information of people who are involved in deliberately lighting this fire, because it's really impacted on our local sporting clubs," he said.
EARLIER:
Fire has severely damaged a sporting complex at Abermain overnight.
Up to 30 firefighters and 8 fire trucks were called to the William Street complex in Howe Park just after 7.00pm on Monday to find the building and an adjoining amenities block well alight.
Crews had to contend with water supply issues, having to relay water by pumping it from truck to truck to get to the blaze.
They managed to get the fire under control by 9 o'clock.
The fire is being treated as suspicious.
