WATCHET Cricket Club has lost valuable equipment after their storage shed was burnt down overnight.

Firefighters and police attended the scene in the early hours of this morning (Friday, September 6) following reports of the blaze at Watchet Memorial Ground.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the incident is being treated as criminal damage and are appealing for witnesses.

A police spokesman said: "Enquiries are now taking place and we would appeal to anyone who saw suspicious activity around Watchet Memorial Ground in the early hours of this morning to contact us.

"The reference number is 5219/205365."

Watchet Cricket Club said that while the majority of their kit is stored elsewhere, the burning down of the shed has caused 'anger among the committee and players'.

A spokesman for Watchet Cricket Club said: "The equipment we have lost has significant value, both monetary and sentimental.

"We have lost the cradle, a throwing and catching training aid, which we believe to be around 30 years old.

"We've also lost a mat for the training net, a couple of sets of spring back stumps, and other various bits of cricket paraphernalia.

"To replace these items will require considerable expense from the club.

"There is quite a bit of anger from the committee, the players and the local community as it is thought the fire was started deliberately."