POLICE are seeking three youths in hoodies, after an apparent arson attack left a cricket club pavilion severely damaged.

The fire, at Harrogate Cricket Club, in North Yorkshire, was reported at about 11.30pm on Friday.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is under way, with officers believing it to be suspicious.

Shortly before the fire was discovered, three youths were seen leaving the cricket grounds, in St George's Road, via the main gate.

All three of the youths are described as having a slim build and being between 5ft 2in and 5ft 5in. They were all wearing dark hoodies.

Cricket club chairman Miles Rawlings said: "It was very sad to watch 112 years of history go up in flames on Friday night.

"Our pavilion had been used by many greats of the game, including Herbert Sutcliffe and Sir Len Hutton, and, in more modern times Sir Ian Botham and Sir Viv Richards.

"It has accommodated Yorkshire county games over many years and witnessed the annual Harrogate Cricket festivals, which were the highlight of our summer from 1974 to 1996.

"We will now need to gather our thoughts and work out how we can rebuild a new pavilion which can reflect the glories of the past while being relevant to our current and future needs as a centre of cricket excellence for North Yorkshire."

Anyone with information is asked to call detective inspector Dave Horne, on 0845-60-60-247, or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800-555-111.