Girl, 9, alerts cricket club to fire as volunteers condemn vandalism spree

A nine-year-old girl helped prevent further escalation of a fire that forced a pause in a cricket match at Stockport Cricket Club in Greater Manchester on 18 July. The child, who plays junior cricket, alerted volunteers from the club’s bar area at the ground’s edge, close to Cale Green Park. No injuries were reported, and the match resumed about 45 minutes later. Club officials said it was the latest in repeated incidents including fires, trespassing and vandalism. Greater Manchester Police said it had investigated several related reports between April 2025 and January 2026, and neighbourhood officers would engage with the club.