A Fire has destroyed thousands of pounds worth of equipment belonging to Dumfries and Galloway Wheelchair Track Athletics Club in a deliberate fire to a storage container at the David Keswick Athletics Club in Dumfries.
A Police spokesperson stated that “At About 7.00pm on 24/05/2021 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were directed to attend the David Keswick Centre in Dumfries.
A fire had been deliberately set, to high jump mats, which had been positioned around a shipping container belonging to Dumfries and Galloway Wheelchair Track Athletics Club. A club which provides disabled children and young persons in South Scotland and North England the opportunity and support to pursue athletics in a safe environment.
Although the container was secured, smoke and heat damage was caused to the equipment within. This included a number of custom and racing wheelchairs, spare parts, helmets, gloves and various other equipment causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Police are keen to speak to two male youths who have been identified as being in the area at the time.
If anyone has any information relating to this incident that could assist Police, please contact 101 and provide the reference 2990 of 24 May 2021″
Steve McKie posted some images of the damage from the fire on behalf of his sister, he stated “These photos don’t show the true damage that has been caused. Nothing can repair the damage done to the equipment at the club especially the kids bikes and racers…they have done nothing to deserve this sort of mindless action.
I am absolutely gutted for all involved at the club…especially for Shelby Louise Watson and Russ Watson…. This absolutely sickens me, it is a wheelchair track athletics club, run for kids, funded by donations.”
