Storms lead to Bristol clubhouse fire

Storms are thought to have led to a fire in a clubhouse near Bristol after a falling branch brought down an overhead power cable.

The cable fell onto a propane gas cylinder used to supply Cotham Park Rugby Club's premises in Beggar Bush Lane, between Abbots Leigh and Failand, starting the fire in the boiler room.

Fire crews tackled the flames and cooled down other cylinders but although they managed to stop the fire from spreading to other parts of the three-storey building, the premises were badly smoke-logged.

Avon Fire and Rescue were called to the clubhouse at about 10.45pm last night.

Five weekend matches have been cancelled as a result, including today's friendly between Cotham Park's first team and the Whitehall's second fifteen, as well as several junior matches tomorrow.

Club chairman Nick Mortell said: "Most of the smoke damage is in the changing area. The gas cylinders were also used to heat the water and the electricity supply needs to go back in.

"We don't have any matches next weekend so we've got a couple of weeks to get ourselves sorted."