‘DEVASTATED’ members of a South East Cornwall club wrecked in an arson attack have launched a fund-raising appeal to rebuild their headquarters.

Already supporters have pledged more than £1,500 towards the £5,000 target set by Looe Rifle and Pistol Club.

The club’s home on the Polean Industrial Estate in West Looe was attacked last Thursday night (August 17). Firefighters were at the scene for around three hours.

The blaze caused massive damage and the club has been forced to close - though members vowed in a statement on their website: ‘We will get back on our feet, it will just take a little time.’

The statement, signed by treasurer George Withers, said: ‘Sadly, there are mindless individuals out there who just have to ruin it for everyone else.’

The club now has a JustGiving fund-raising page on which organisers say: ‘Members have been devastated by the news that the clubhouse has suffered an arson attack.

‘The clubhouse will now need to be completely rebuilt.

‘Due to its 1930s construction being mainly of wood it was impossible to get insurance of more than just the bare minimum, although any insurance money will be gratefully received it will be far from the amount needed for the rebuild.

‘In 2015 the club celebrated its centenary.

’It has over 40 members, male, female, able bodied and disabled with an age range from teenagers to octogenarians all of whom are very keen to get it back up and running.

‘Three members have just been asked to trial for the county team and were very much looking forward to the challenge.’

A police appeal for help to find the arsonist has been launched.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Devon and Cornwall Police would like to hear from any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything suspicious between 11pm on August 17 and 1.30am on August 18.

‘In particular, did anyone return home smelling of smoke or accelerant?’

Liskeard CID can be contacted via the 101 telephone number or people can call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111

Search Looe Rifle and Pistol Club at justgiving.com or find the appeal through the club’s Facebook page Looe Rifleandpistol. The club’s website is looerifleandpistolclub.bravesites.com