POLICE are treating a blaze which badly damaged a football stadium as arson.
Firefighters were called to the Reyrolle Stadium, in Hebburn, South Tyneside, at 3.50am on Sunday.
More than £100,000 damage was caused to the stadium - home of Hebburn Town Football Club.
Half of one of the stands was destroyed and the rest may have to be demolished.
A police spokesman said the incident was being treated as suspicious.
The club has been hit by vandalism in the past.
Club official Alan Armstrong said: "The ground in general has been the target of just a few vandals. We have had trouble consistently over the past few years.
"Despite the best efforts of the police and the community, it appears that we just can't keep them out."
Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 0191-454 7555, extension 65144.
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