Suspected arson at Macclesfield FC’s Moss Rose stadium as firefighters extinguish blaze

A suspected arson attack at the historic Macclesfield FC stadium in Cheshire has prompted a police investigation and an emergency response in the early hours. Flames broke out at the Moss Rose ground — also known as the Leasing.com Stadium — with firefighters tackling the blaze late Monday night into Tuesday without any reported casualties. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that two fire engines from Macclesfield were sent to the scene after reports of visible flames over the stadium wall. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire in an outbuilding adjacent to the club shop and remained on site until around 4:30 am, dampening down and checking for hotspots with thermal imaging equipment. An initial investigation indicates that the fire was started deliberately, and Cheshire Police are assisting with inquiries.

In the wake of the incident, Macclesfield FC urged residents and fans to stay away from the stadium and keep windows closed while emergency services worked at the site. The club’s statement emphasised that the situation was under control and thanked the public for alerting the authorities quickly. “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,” the statement said.

The Moss Rose stadium, one of England’s older football venues dating back to 1891 and home to the reformed Macclesfield FC after the original club was wound up in 2020, has drawn attention in recent months for the team’s memorable FA Cup run, including a victory over Premier League side Crystal Palace earlier this year. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire as police appeal for any information from the public