SCORES of children have been left devastated after an arson attack destroyed their football clubhouse.

One of the Weymouth Cougars’ coaches has blasted the ‘selfish’ arsonists.

Chris Palmer, coach and manager of the Cougars under 12s team, said he would like to see the offenders brought to justice.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the incident in the early hours of Wednesday morning in a car park at the Marsh Playing Fields on Knightsdale Road, Weymouth.

A hut used by the youngsters to store equipment such as goal posts, to get changed before training and matches and for awards evenings, has been closed off as the roof was badly damaged in the fire.

Another building and its contents were also destroyed.

Mr Palmer said: “We are waiting to find out the extent of the structural damage. We could be told that the hut has to be condemned, which of course is worse case scenario and would mean we have to look at getting storage for all the equipment.

“Some of our boys are as young as seven and they use the hut for shelter if it rains during practice.

“It was such a selfish thing to do. It’s just an absolute nightmare.”

No arrests have been made and the fire is thought to have been started after an accelerant was set alight between the building and the wooden hut.

Police Constable Neil Fitch, of Weymouth police, said: “It is very fortunate no one was injured in this fire, the consequences could have been far worse.

“I am keen to talk to three male teenagers who were seen leaving the car park when the fire service arrived. They may be witnesses and have information that can assist with the investigation. I urge them to come forward.

“Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area at the time is asked to contact the police on 101 as soon as possible.

Mr Palmer said: “It is very frustrating. The Cougars is run on a voluntary basis and all the coaches give up our own time to train the boys. What’s not fair is the impact on the children.

“They just want to play football with their mates in a controlled environment where they can learn the game.

“They don’t need this hassle.”

He added: “I just want to sit in front of whoever did this and ask them why.”

Councillor Ian Bruce, Community Facilities Briefholder at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “This fire has damaged a valuable facility, which is particularly used by young people in our community. It is senseless and I hope anyone with any information contacts the police immediately.

“The borough council is temporarily storing the goals, nets and other football equipment.”

Witnesses and anyone with information is urged to call Dorset Police on 101.