DETECTIVES are hoping video footage will help them catch arsonists who destroyed thousands of pounds worth of theatre props.

The props and scenery were stored in two 30-foot containers at Congleton's Daneside Theatre, which were gutted in Monday night's blaze.

Firefighters prevented the flames reaching the theatre itself by creating a barrier of water between the containers and the building.

However the metal cladding on the back wall was seriously damaged, and the whole theatre is covered in soot after being smoke-logged.

Industrial equipment will need to be brought in to clean the large theatre, and Centre Stage Youth Theatre's show scheduled for this Saturday at the theatre has had to be cancelled.

Firefighters believe the fire was started maliciously between the containers, which were used to store props and scenery for both of Congleton's operatic companies and the Scouts and Guides Gang Show.

A security camera in the area is believed to have caught the start of the fire on film, which detectives at Congleton CID are hoping could provide vital clues in catching the culprits.

"I was absolutely disgusted that such a thing could happen to a theatre where people have put in such a lot of work,'' said theatre trustee and Congleton Players chairman Peter Nicholson.

"We spent about £90,000 last year on refurbishing and redecorating the theatre, and I felt sick when I heard about the fire.''

Eight firefighters, six wearing breathing apparatus, fought the blaze after being alerted by a member of the public at 6.20pm.

Five tenders were called out, and sub-officer John Nunn praised the efforts of Congleton firefighters for their "superb'' efforts in preventing the blaze spreading to the theatre.

Next month's planned show by Trinity Amateur Operatic Society is expected to go ahead, although the theatre faces the urgent task of replacing and finding a home for scenery and props.

Congleton CID are appealing for any witnesses to the fire to ring DC Beale on 271144.

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