Lorry crash blamed on club vendetta

Police believe the crash is linked to three arson attacks

A lorry crash in Shropshire is being blamed on an apparent campaign to drive a nightclub out of business.

A stolen truck crashed into Rumours in Wellington at about 0100 GMT on Monday, causing an estimated £10,000 in damage.

The lorry had been taken from a business unit in Hadley Park Road on Sunday.

Arsonists have also attacked the nightclub on three separate occasions in the last year.

I know the people who are doing this, but I am not able to name names

Rumours' owner, Margaret Hickey

Witnesses report seeing several men with torches at the front of Rumours prior to the incident.

Rumours' owner Margaret Hickey says she does not know why the club would be targeted.

She said: "It started on Christmas Eve last year with an arson attack, and that happened again in April and in August.

"I know the people who are doing this, but I am not able to name names."

'Determined effort'

Detective constable Ed Roberts also believes Monday's crash was deliberate.

"There have been a number of arson attacks at Rumours nightclub in the past few months", he said.

"Clearly someone is making a determined effort to try to put the owner out of business.

"We are appealing for anyone with any information concerning this, or any of the previous incidents, to please call us at Telford Police Station, or call Crimestoppers anonymously."