Plymouth Argyle stadium fire confirmed as an act of arson

Plymouth Argyle Football Club have confirmed a small stadium fire reported last night (November 17) is being treated by the club as an act of arson, with CCTV footage being handed over to Devon and Cornwall Police.

The fire was reported to have broken out next to the portaloos at the Devonport End of the stadium, and videos of the fire circulated on various social media platforms. 

The club made an official statement confirming the fire around 10pm on November 17. 

This initial statement outlined that the incident was under control, and that there had been no damage to the interior of the stadium.

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The club also thanked the public for their calls, and for alerting the emergency services to the incident.

A follow-up statement was made on November 18  at 11.25am which read: “Following the small fire that broke out outside Home Park Stadium last night, investigations began to identify the cause of the fire. We can now confirm the fire broke out at 21:13 next to the portaloo outside the Babcock Devonport End. We are now treating the incident as arson, with CCTV provided to the police. 

“We would like to thank the fire brigade for their incredible response, reaching the site of the incident within three minutes of it starting and limiting the damage caused. 

“The response of the community has also been incredible, and one of our contractors has offered to clean up the affected area today, which will see the area returned to normal as quickly as possible. 

“The matter is now with the police and we will be making no further comment.”