Hunt continues for fire raisers after Dunipace FC pitch set alight

The artificial surface at Westfield Park, home of Dunipace FC who play in the East of Scotland First Division, was discovered around 7.30am on Saturday. It is believed the artificial surface had been smouldering for several hours before the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted.

It was one of several incidents which took place in the town on Friday evening. The stage being used for Denny and Dunipace fun day in Gala Park was spray painted and portable toilets overturned.

Councillor Paul Garner, who is also the chairman of Dunipace FC, said he was devastated by the damage to the ground in Town House Street, as well as the other damage across the district.

He said: “I received at call around 7.30am on Saturday to say the fire brigade were at the ground and went down straight away. I was gutted by what I saw. It would seem that it had been set in the middle of the park and had been smouldering for some time.

"There should have been several kids’ teams playing on the pitch and to see their faces when they arrived was awful. We had to reschedule some games and squeeze others into another area of the park.

"Everyone involved with Dunipace is devastated at what has happened. This will take months to fix and will impact on the start of next season. But it’s not just the senior teams who are affected. This pitch is used by the community every night of the week and this fire has impacted on a lot of people.”

The senior team was due to place its last game of the season against Preston Athletic on the pitch on Saturday afternoon but Stenhousemuir FC stepped in to offer the use of its ground at Ochilview so the match could go ahead.

Mr Garner added: “Obviously the Police Scotland investigation is ongoing and they are providing us with updates. The committee is working hard and discussions are continuing with insurers, pitch specialists and the SFA.

"On behalf of the committee, I’d like to pass on our thanks to the local community, local businesses, and the footballing community for the support and encouragement we have received, it really has lifted the spirits of all involved with the club.

"A special thanks to everyone who has contributed to our go Go Fund Me page.

"The senior squad had a great result on Tuesday night against premier league opposition Penicuik Athletic in the East of Scotland League cup, special thanks to Linlithgow Rose FC for hosting the game and their hospitality. We face Linlithgow in the semi finals next week and unfortunately this will need to be played at a neutral venue depriving us of much needed income of a home tie, just one of the many financial downsides of the incident.

"We can guarantee everyone, all the teams, kids, parents, coaches and supporters we are doing all we can to get them back on this extremely well loved and used community facility as soon as possible.”

Football legend Alex Totten said the fire at Dunipace FC’s ground on Saturday was an “absolute disgrace” and he was heartbroken for the club.

Alex said he hoped those responsible are apprehended quickly, adding: “It makes me so angry. There are so many people from young kids right up to the senior team who use that pitch and then this happens.

"I remember when the new surface was laid about five years ago and I brought a Falkirk team to mark the occasion. I was proud to be part of the day. It’s great facilities which are a big part of the community.”

His family involvement with Westfield Park sees son Bruce help Dunipace manager Danny Smith with coaching, while grandson Alexander plays with Dunipace Amateurs and grandson Jake with Dunipace under 20s, with all teams regularly playing on the pitch.

The incidents come only weeks after a community meeting in Denny when residents and business people put their concerns over anti social behaviour to Falkirk’s area commander Chief Inspector Lynsey Kidd. People spoke of a group of youths, aged between 13 to 15 years terrorising the community.

Police have renewed their appeal for information following the fire. Inspector Colin Sutherland said: “We are treating the fire as wilful and our enquiries are ongoing. This fire has caused a significant amount of damage and will have a lasting impact on the local community.

“We believe the fire was burning for a time before we were called and I am appealing for anyone who was in the area on Friday, May 19 into Saturday who may have seen anything that could assist us to get in touch.

“Additionally I would appeal to anyone who was driving in the area and who may have dash cam footage which could help to contact us.”

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