AN INCREDIBLE £7,000 was raised in just 24 hours after fire tore through the home of Rosyth Sharks Rugby Football Club in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Rugby clubs and community well-wishers from across the region pulled together to raise the incredible sum after president Ben Morris warned that it could be the "final nail in the coffin" following a year of closures.

Three fire engines were sent to Harley Street to tackle the blaze, which has devastated the gym area of the clubhouse – a facility also well used by other community groups.

Fears that it was a deliberate fire were confirmed after two teenagers, aged 13 and 14, were charged with wilful fireraising on the same day.

Club president Ben Morris said the committee had been "blown away" by the generosity of West Fifers after a crowdfunder was set up.

"To hit £7,000 in such a short space of time is just phenomenal!" he told the Press.

"To have the support of locals and other clubs, including our opponents and rivals, has just blown us away, particularly in this current climate where people have lost loved ones and their income.

"Every penny is appreciated and once restrictions allow, we will be giving them one big thank you!"

After witnessing the devastation on Tuesday, the Sharks faced the very real possibility that they would not be able to open their doors again with zero income due to COVID restrictions.

The club have had a long-term lease agreement since the 1990s with the Fife Council-owned Harley Street premises and will be working with them to make the building safe.

"It couldn't have happened at a more hard-hitting time," Ben continued.

"All the money that we have in the bank is to help us survive and get to the other side of the pandemic so finances are tight.

"If it was left to us, it would be the final nail in the coffin.

"Let's say we were on our knees and this has cut our throats."

Police confirmed that the teens charged in connection with the fire will both be reported to the Children's Reporter.

Local Community Sergeant Kate Blackwell, of Dalgety Bay Police Station, said: "It was very disappointing to wake to the news of a fire at such a well-used local community facility.

“Officers carried out inquiries and quickly traced two youths who were responsible and they were both charged in connection with the fire.

“I would like to thank the public for their assistance.”

There has been a wave of anti-social behaviour in Rosyth in recent weeks, with four youths charged in relation to vandalism and assault last week.

Rosyth Councillor Andrew Verrecchia said: "As a rugby fan myself, it's hugely disappointing to see what's happened but I'm very pleased to see the fundraising support and hope that they will be able to recoup some of the costs.

"There has been a small epidemic of anti-social behaviour in the town.

"I'm sure people are reassured that two people were charged so quickly, the vandalism in Rosyth has been chipping away at morale."

To support the rugby club visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rosyth-sharks