A VOID has been left in the Dearne area after arsonists targeted a former social club - and firefighters tackled the blaze for over three days.

Earlier this month fire crews from across South Yorkshire were called to the Ings Lane Social Club in Bolton-upon-Dearne on May 6 to tackle a blaze.

They managed to extinguish the fire but were then forced to return just two days later for a fire at the same site.

But this time they were there for almost three days.

A spokesperson for the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service told the Chronicle: “For the first incident, five fire engines attended on May 6 and we were called at 11.26pm and left at 4.14am.

“Two hose reels and three jets were used to extinguish the fire.

“On May 8, 12 fire engines attended this one over the course of the incident with all crews eventually leaving the scene by 10.39am on May 10.”

Nearby residents were told to close their windows and doors while firefighters tackled the blaze, and Dearne South Couns Janine Bowler, Abi Moore and Deborah Pearson have all been left in shock by the attack.

They visited the site last week and said: “We were heartbroken to learn that the old Ings Lane Sports and Social Club had been severely damaged by a fire.

“This has left a void in the Dearne, as the club was always a hub for our community and had a special place in a lot of people’s hearts.

“We know how much this place meant to many, and many happy memories were tragically lost in the fire.

“Anyone with any information as to who was responsible for this arson attack is urged to contact South Yorkshire Police.”

The social club, which officially closed to the public last year, was once the home of local rugby club Dearne Valley Bulldogs.

A spokesperson for the club added: “We’re truly devastated about the fire that erupted at Ings Lane.

“We as a club have had many great memories in the Ings Lane as this was once the home of the Bulldogs.

“We want to thank the firefighters for the continued hard work and our customers for their understanding at this time.”

South Yorkshire Police have confirmed an investigation is ongoing.

A spokesperson said: “At 11.45pm on Tuesday May 6 we were called to reports of a fire at the former Ings Lane Sports and Social Club in Barnsley.

“South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (SYFRS) attended and dealt with the incident without police attendance.

“On May 8 at 10.22pm, we were called to the same location following another report of a fire.

“Officers and SYFRS attended the scene and the incident is being treated as arson. “Enquiries are ongoing.

“No injuries were reported in either incident.”