Golf club blaze 'started deliberately' according to detectives

Officers are treating the fire which severely damaged Lutterworth Golf Club as arson.

The fire started on Saturday (May 1st) evening and raged throughout the night. Fire crews remained well into the following day to put out hotspots.

Teams from Lutterworth, Rugby, Southern, Western, Hinckley, Wigston, Birstall, Loughborough and Kibworth were all called to help tackle the blaze.

Since the incident, which occurred at around 10pm, an investigation has been continuing in partnership with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

Enquiries at the scene have determined that the fire was started deliberately, which led to the clubhouse being severely damaged.

No-one has been arrested at this time.

Detective Inspector Charles Edwards, from South Leicester, Harborough and Wigston CID, said: “Following an examination of the scene, this incident is being treated as arson.

“I would like to speak to anyone who was near the golf club – in Rugby Road – on Saturday evening. Did you see anyone going acting in a way that seemed unusual or suspicious? Did you see anyone leaving the area shortly after 10pm?

“Motorists with dashcams in their vehicles or anyone who was in the area may be able to help our investigation. Any information you have could prove invaluable.”

Earlier this week the club said they would reopen once the investigation by the fire brigade was complete. Plans have also begun on how to rebuild in the long term.

The statement in full:

"The past year has been incredibly difficult and impactful on our loyal members and staff, it’s almost impossible to describe the sadness or say how devastated everyone connected with Lutterworth Golf club feel -  staff, members and the local community alike. We would like to say thank you for the 100’s of messages of support and offers of help.  It’s uplifting to know that Lutterworth Golf Club is a much loved asset of our community. 

"We were all looking forward to welcoming visitors back to our great golf course to play in our mixed open competition yesterday.  Instead we woke to the shocking news that our Clubhouse had been raised to the ground by a fire that started late on Saturday evening. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but we are extremely thankful that no one was at the Golf Club at the time of the fire.  

"A fire investigation is underway – as soon as this is completed the course will re-open to members. The Clubs Directors and Officials met late on Sunday afternoon to put the recovery plans in place to ensure that our loyal members can continue to enjoy playing the course while we work with our insurers on providing temporary facilities as soon as possible and a permanent replacement in the longer term. 

"Lutterworth Golf Club, founded in 1904 has a long and resilient history, the Director’s and Club Officials are all fully committed to the mammoth task ahead to replace our Clubhouse and facilities. 

"Our sincere thanks to LFRS Lutterworth @LFRSLutterworth, @LFRS and surrounding counties FRS and Leicestershire Police @leicspolice for their fast,  professional and continued response to this incident.    

"We are truly grateful to everyone for their good wishes, the offers of help and support we have received from our members, neighbouring golf clubs, Leicestershire & Rutland Golf Union and the local community – it’s heart warming at this difficult time, they really do mean a lot to us all."