Police believe youngsters who stole 30 newspapers from a local newsagent may have caused the fire at the Embelton Street club early yesterday.

Fire investigators and police were still at the scene yesterday evening in a bid to trace the cause – but it was labelled suspicious.

A crime scene was established – but officers were unable to venture near the charred and buckled premises until they were made safe late yesterday.

Fire officers from three brigades fought the blaze from 1.30am until 3.30am, unable to venture too close as the entire roof fell in.

A Sydney police squad, the Gang Squad – together with officials from the Department of Gaming and Racing – raided the club in June 2005, arresting four people and seizing 15 firearms and drugs.

The bowling club was closed for 72 hours and police alleged that members of the Bandidos motorcycle club had gradually infiltrated it, taking over the club “by stealth”.

The firearms seized in that raid included hand guns, shotguns and shortened firearms, State Crime Command media liaison officer Daniela Ongaro told the Mercury then.

But police said yesterday the club had not been in use since June 2005 and it was not thought that motorcycle clubs were involved in the latest fire.

A Weston newsagent reported the theft of 30 newspapers from outside his shop shortly before the fire was being investigated, a police spokesman said.

“This is one of the lines of inquiry we are following,” he said.

A State Crime Command spokesman told the Mercury yesterday that it had not been investigating motorcycle club activities in connection with the bowling club fire.

The owner of the building was at the scene yesterday with police, fire officers and insurance assessors.

It is the second time the club has been destroyed by fire. Ten years ago the original premises were also gutted.

Acting deputy captain of Weston Fire Brigade, engine keeper Dave Rumbel, was also at the first fire 10 years ago.

“We ran out hoses to the front and sides of the club in this latest fire, but the heat was intense,” Mr Rumbel said.

“Then the entire roof crashed in.”