Fire at Oast Park golf club in Snodland
Published: 00:00, 22 March 2017
Updated: 05:53, 22 March 2017
Officers investigating a suspicious fire which destroyed a golf clubhouse in Snodland are appealing for witnesses.
The blaze broke out just after 3.30am at Oastpark golf course in Sandy Lane.
The entire timber-framed building caught alight and firefighters spent eight hours bringing it under control.
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Four fire engines, a height vehicle were called to the site and damping down continued until 11.30am, when the matter was handed over to Kent Police to determine whether they should begin an investigation.
The clubhouse was seriously damaged but crews managed to prevent the flames from spreading to a nearby building used by the golf driving range.
Firefighters will continue visiting the site every few hours to damp down and check for any remaining hot spots.
White smoke could still be seen coming from the site throughout the morning.
There are no reported injuries and the cause of the incident is still not known.
Police and representatives from a public loss adjusters firm were on the scene, as were South East Water and UK Power Networks. Their engineers cut off power supplies to allow firefighters to work in safety.
VIDEO: Crews tackle blaze at Oastpark golf club
Workers for the water company opened valves to ensure homes and businesses in Snodland received an adequate supply, but this may result in water temporarily turning a brown colour for some people.
A police spokesman said: "At 3.20am on Wednesday 22 March 2017 Kent Police received a report stating that a building in Sandy Lane, Snodland, was on fire. Officers attended and provided assistance to crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
The golf club is near Sandhole Vets and the RSPCA centre in Leybourne, just off the A228 and is along a private road.
It offers a nine-hole course, and has a bar and restaurant on the complex.
Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting 22-081. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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Claire McWethy