Detectives were today investigating two suspected arson attacks near Selby in which fuel was used to accelerate the fires.

More than £80,000 of damage was caused after changing rooms and a storage container were set on fire at Monk Fryston Football Club - followed a few hours later by a blaze which wrecked a BT telephone exchange at nearby Gateforth.

The telephones of almost 600 BT customers in Gateforth, Hambleton and Birkin were cut off over the weekend, and firefighters, police and paramedics were on standby in the area to respond to any emergencies.

A police spokeswoman said the blaze at the BT exchange was being treated as arson.

Some form of accelerant - possibly petrol or turpentine - had been poured over a desk before arsonists set fire to it.

The intruders, who struck under the cover of darkness, forced a heavy duty door off its hinges to gain entry.

A fire brigade spokesman said they also ignited two more fires near a computer and next to the front door.

BT has brought in a mobile temporary telephone exchange until the building is rebuilt and new equipment installed.

Meanwhile at Monk Fryston, young footballers were left in tears after seeing their wooden changing rooms and steel storage container gutted by fire.

Selby firefighters said the heat was so intense, it melted the container.

Club officials later found an empty fuel canister nearby, and Det Con Pete Masterman confirmed that it again appeared to be an arson attack with an accelerant used.

He said: "The two attacks were within four hours of each other at places just over a mile apart. There's a possibly the two incidents are connected."

Monk Fryston FC treasurer, Sue Wager said: "It's heartbreaking. We aren't even insured because we are in the middle of nowhere and companies won't take the risk.

"We have about 100 players in teams ranging from under eights to seniors and everyone is devastated.

"We only decorated the whole lot last summer, and now we have lost everything."

An emergency meeting of the club committee is being held tonight, and member Howard Adamson said: "I can't see us playing football here for another month at least. I'm gutted."

A substantial reward is being offered in relation to the the BT exchange fire. Anyone with information should contact Selby police on 01757 702596.

Updated: 13:39 Monday, January 29, 2001