Macclesfield FC urge fans to stay away after suspected arson attack on stadium

Police are investigating a fire at a non-league football club's ground as a suspected arson.

Macclesfield FC, which plays in the National League North division, warned residents who live near the Leasing.com Stadium to stay away from the area.

In a statement at around 1.45am, the Cheshire football club said emergency services responded immediately and were on site tackling the blaze.

Cheshire Constabulary told Sky News that police were tipped off about "a deliberate fire in two portable toilets" early on Tuesday morning.

A video posted on a Macclesfield FC fan page on Facebook, and filmed from the neighbouring A523, showed flames rising from the club's home ground.

The club added: "Despite understandable concern, we urge everyone to please avoid the area, anyone nearby to keep windows shut, and not to approach the stadium or disrupt the progress of the emergency services.

"We would like to reassure everyone that the situation is under control, there are no casualties and investigations are already underway into the cause of the fire.

"Macclesfield FC will be making no further comment at this stage whilst the investigation develops."

Formerly known as Macclesfield Town, the Cheshire club was wound up in 2020 with debts of more than £500,000 and reformed as Macclesfield FC the same year, playing in the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) Premier Division.

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Macclesfield FC, which made headlines in January after knocking FA Cup holders and Premier League side Crystal Palace out of the competition, will play Darlington FC away from home on Tuesday night at 7.45pm.

In a statement to Sky News, Cheshire Constabulary said: "At 1.15am this morning, police were informed of a deliberate fire in two portable toilets at Macclesfield Football Club on London Road, Macclesfield."

"Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances," the force added, urging anyone with information to contact police.

(c) Sky News 2026: Macclesfield FC urge fans to stay away after suspected arson attack on stadium