The fire rages at Deal
Town FC on Thursday. Picture by David Christie.

A teenage boy has been arrested by police investigating a
suspected arson attack on a Kent football club.

Deal Town FC's clubhouse at the Charles Sports Ground was almost
entirely destroyed in the blaze last Thursday.

A spokesman for Kent Police said the fire is believed to have
been started deliberately and confirmed that a 17-year-old was
arrested on suspicion of arson on Saturday.

He has been released on bail until November 11 while detectives
continue their investigations.

Video: David Reid,
chairman of Deal Town FC, talks about last week's devastating
fire

Last week's fire, which is believed to have started in a store
room, has been described as "devastating" by the club.

Members and fans have already set up an emergency fund to help
rebuild the pavilion.

Derek Hares, manager of the Kent League Premier Division club,
said: "There's been so much work put into the club over the last
few years into trying to actually get the clubhouse up and
running.

"The ground itself is probably the
best it's been for the last 10 years and for that to happen is
just devastating really for the club and for the town."

He added: "The clubhouse itself is
actually burnt right out and almost down."

Mr Hares said the club is now working
to ensure the ground is safe to allow the club to start playing
football again – possibly as soon as this Saturday.