Serious fire damages golf course

The fire was discovered in the green keeper's shed

A serious fire has caused more than £100,000 of damage at a golf course in southern Scotland.

The green keeper's shed at the Pines Golf Centre in Dumfries was found alight at about 0230 GMT on Sunday.

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary have appealed for witnesses to the incident, which they confirmed is being treated as suspicious.

A spokesman described the fire as "severe" and said it was lucky it had not spread to nearby woodland.

Det Con Stephen Bell said: "There were two large bangs heard in the area around 0230 GMT and local witnesses contacted police and fire staff.

"The extent of the fire was severe and we are lucky it did not spread to the nearby woodland area."

He said investigations were currently ongoing to establish the cause of the blaze.

"The damage caused is believed to be in excess of £100,000," he added.

"That is a huge amount in any means and it will take a great deal of work to repair or replace the damaged equipment.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident or witnessed any suspicious behaviour."

The Pines Golf Centre includes an 18-hole golf course and driving range.