VANDALS are believed to be behind a fire which destroyed a steel cabin on a construction site in Wickford.
The blaze, which started in Southend Road on the evening of Saturday, February 16, took fire fighters an hour to control.
The exact cause is unknown but vandalism is thought to have played a part as the windows of a digger on the building site had been smashed.
The site is owned by developer Martin Grant Jones but was to be used by Wickford Town Football Club when the work was completed.
Club chairman Tony Silk told the Gazette: "It happened late on Saturday night and I only found out the following day.
"It appears to be the work of vandals as the windows of one of the diggers on site had been smashed and it looks like someone set fire to the cabin and tea hut."
The developers were in the process of building changing rooms, a car park and football pitches.
"The site office has been completely burnt out and it looks like a deliberate act," Mr Silk continued.
"We were set to take over the grounds when the work had been completed but I have no idea how long the process will take now.
"I don't think there will be a setback as it's their site office which can be replaced."
Wickford Town Football Club uses several pitches around the town including sites on Southend Road, at Wickford Memorial Park and at Grange Primary School.
Mr Silk added: "This new site will be a home but we would still need to use the other facilities."
Essex County Fire and Rescue Services confirmed that two fire engines and 10 firefighters had been sent to the location at 10:42pm.
A spokesman added: "The cause of the fire in the steel container is unknown but police are carrying out an investigation."
A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Police were called at just after 11:30pm on Saturday, February 16, to Wickford Football Ground, Southend Road following a report of fire.
"Police are investigating and enquiries continue."
