A teenager has been charged by police after £20,000 of specialist sport equipment for disabled young people was destroyed in a fire.
An investigation was launched after a container belonging to the Dumfries and Galloway Wheelchair Track Athletics Club was torched on Monday evening.
Emergency services raced to the scene within the grounds of The David Keswick Athletic Centre in Marchmount, Dumfries, after the alarm was raised at around 7pm.
Expensive custom racing chairs, spare parts, helmets, gloves and various other items that provide a lifeline to disabled youngsters were destroyed.
The club was built from nothing by a Scots champion wheelchair racer, Shelby Watson and her father, Russ, from nearby Johnstonebridge.
The 23-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, told how she was “broken” after learning about the incident.
Police Scotland have now confirmed that a 15-year-old has been charged in connection.
A force spokesperson said: “Following a number of enquiries carried out by Dumfries Community Officers, a 15-year-old youth has been charged by police in relation to the fire at The David Keswick Athletic Centre.
“A report will now be sent to the Youth Justice Coordinator.”
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