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Appeal for help after Rumbles Boxing Academy off Castle Road on the Eurolink, Sittingbourne, damaged by car fire

A suspected arson attack which saw a car on fire cause damage to a Sittingbourne boxing gym is being investigated.

Firefighters were called to Rumbles Boxing Academy, off Castle Road on the Eurolink, just before midnight yesterday.

Charlie Rumble, leaseholder who’s run the club for the past three years, said: “I’m heartbroken, I’m devastated.

The damage to the outside of the gym
The damage to the outside of the gym

“I saw it when I got here this morning at about 6am.

“The police had been ringing me, but my phone was off and I had three missed calls, which I’d ignored and came down and the police were here.”

Mr Rumble said he’s got to secure the building today and lots of parents were there too: “I’ve cried and the kids, we’ve got about 70, will be so heartbroken too.

The car inside
The car inside

"I've done so much over the years for the kids and the community and we've got kids in competitions at the weekend too."

"I've not got the money to fix it."

Crews using breathing equipment used a hose to put out the blaze, and a neighbouring property also sustained smoke damage.

Charlie, 63, who thinks it was started deliberately, added: "I'd got it so beautiful, I just want who's done it to be caught.

"I'm just hoping that someone will come over and say that we can use their place."

The club has been based in the building for the past three years after moving from a unit opposite where it was for five years previously.

He said: “I have got CCTV, someone’s coming later to look at it.

“They’ve reversed into the doors and then set it alight using a jerry can, which has loads of DNA on it.

“Justice has to be done.”

The cause of the fire is being investigated and no one is thought to have been injured.

Firefighters were there for about an hour.

Anyone who have seen something suspicious in the area at the time is asked to contact Kent Police on 01795 419119 quoting 16-018.

If you can help with the repairs or a temporary training location, contact Charlie on 07885585555.

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