Hundreds of charity donations were destroyed in an apparent arson attack at the grounds of a much-loved football club.
Fire crews were called to West Kirby FC's grounds on Tuesday evening after a neighbour spotted smoke drifting across the site.
The fire ripped through two containers - one that held crucial club equipment and one that stored items set to be sold in aid of Wirral Hospice St John's.
Club official John Kearney described the incident as "heartbreaking".
He told the ECHO: "It will have a massive impact on the football club, but also a major impact on the charities we support here at West Kirby FC through the car boot sales.
"This is just mindless. I can not understand - whether it is old people or young people - I can't understand why they would cause devastation such as this.
"There is absolutely no point at all and it will have a massive impact not only on the football club but on our charities, particularly Wirral Hospice St John's, which is our designated charity."
Monday's announcement about the planned lifting of coronavirus restrictions had led to hope West Kirby FC's fundraising efforts could resume in the spring.
Car boot sales at the Greenbank Road ground are an integral part of the club's activities and have raised thousands of pounds for Wirral Hospice St John's, which provides free care for adult patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Find out where you can receive the Covid-19 vaccine by typing your postcode below
The second destroyed container was used to store floodlighting equipment, a new clubhouse boiler and other important equipment.
The incident is set to cost the club, which could not obtain insurance for the containers, thousands of pounds.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were alerted to the blaze at 6.20pm and on the scene six minutes later.
Three crews attended and were on site for just over two hours while they dealt with the fire.
