FIRE-RAISERS are reckoned to be responsible for a jump being burnt to the ground at Newton Abbot Racecourse in the dead of night.
Suspected arsonists struck some time before 2am on Sunday when flames from the wooden structure were spotted from the nearby Premier Inn.
The jump, on the far end of the racecourse but near a footpath, was well alight by the time two fire crews from the town arrived at the scene.
Police are appealing for information from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area at the time.
They should ring officers on 101, quoting crime reference CR/053159/18.
Firefighters, who gained access to the spot on an inner hardstanding track used by ambulances, wielded one main jet to knock out the flames.
A fire spokesman said: ‘The jump was completely destroyed. Someone at the Premier Inn thought a building was ablaze and reported the matter to us.’
He said the location was such that it was likely the cause of the blaze was deliberate ignition.
It’s believed to be the first time a racecourse jump at the Kingsteignton venue has been targeted by arsonists.
Firefighters spent nearly half-an-hour at the scene.
A racecourse spokesman was not available for comment.
It’s not thought the jump will be rebuilt in time for the Ladies’ Day meeting on Tuesday.