Macclesfield FC releases CCTV images of mystery man filmed leaving stadium grounds morning after fire suspected as arson

MACCLESFIELD FC has released CCTV footage of someone the club wants to identify in connection with yesterday's fire in a toilet block at the stadium.

In the footage, a man is seen in a dark poncho, dark trousers and muddy white trainers appearing to leave the grounds in daylight through a car park area.

The fire, which was first reported to the fire service in the early hours of Tuesday, March 3 2026, is believed to have been started deliberately, police and the fire service have said.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said they were alerted to reports of a fire at the Leasing.com Stadium at 12:52am.

Two fire engines from Macclesfield Fire Station were sent to deal with the flames.

Dramatic footage on social media shows flames rising high over the wall.

Club Chairman Rob Smethurst posted the footage on Facebook.

He wrote: "Does anyone recognise him? We believe he may be able to help with information about Monday night's arson attack."

He told UK News and Investigations: "We need to find out who he is. This will be passed to the police. we think he may even have slept in the grounds overnight after the fire."

The fire service incident report said: "Just before 1am North West Fire Control received reports of flames visible over a wall of the Moss Rose stadium, home to Macclesfield Football Club.

"When they arrived, they found an outbuilding adjacent to the club's shop well alight.

"Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the blaze using hose reel water jets. They remained at the scene until 4:30am, damping down and using a thermal imaging camera to check for hotspots.

"An initial investigation indicates that the fire was started deliberately. Cheshire Police attended the incident."

The club today urged the public to stay away from the grounds.

It said in a statement: "Macclesfield FC are aware of a suspected arson attempt at the Leasing .com Stadium in the late hours of yesterday evening/early hours of this morning.

"Emergency services have responded immediately and are on sit tackling the blaze in the affected areas. 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.

"We would like to reassure everyone that the situation is under control. There are no casualties and investigations are already underway into the cause of the fire.

"We would like to thank everyone for their concern and the timely response of those who alerted emergency services so quickly. Macclesfield FC will be making no further comment at this stage whilst the investigation develops."

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "At 1.15am this morning police were informed of a deliberate fire in two portable toilets at Macclesfield Football Club on London Road, Macclesfield.

"Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances. Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or via the website quoting IML 2281364.

"Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Macclesfield joined the North West Counties Premier Division, the fifth step of the National League system, ahead of the 2021–22 season.

They recorded three promotions in the four subsequent seasons, winning the North West Counties Premier Division in 2022, the NPL Division One West in 2023 and the NPL Premier Division in 2025. They also reached the semi-final of the FA Trophy in 2024.

Earlier this year they made history with one of the greatest FA Cup upsets of all time, when they reached the fourth round of the FA Cup by becoming the first sixth-tier team to beat a top-tier team - Premier League side Crystal Palace, the reigning FA Cup holders.

Cheshire Police has been contacted about the CCTV footage.