Arsonists strike twice at children’s playground

Equipment damaged in mindless vandalism

A children’s play area in Peterborough was torched twice over the weekend as lockdown restrictions lifted on recreational areas.

Crews from Dogsthorpe Fire Station were needed in the Gunthorpe area of the city, where fires were reported in a park on Nightingale Court.

The first incident was called in at around 2.30am on Saturday morning, when a sofa was set alight and left in the park. At around 1.30am on Monday morning crews were again called to a fire involving the play equipment. Despite the fast attendance from the crew, the equipment was significantly damaged.

Station Commander Pete Jones, the service’s arson liaison officer, said: “It is very disappointing to see community resources like this ruined, especially when they’ve not been available to use due to the lockdown. The local children will now miss out for longer due to the actions of irresponsible people lighting fires.

“These fires could have easily spread from the park to the surrounding properties and caused more damage and injuries to residents.

“There are some simple things people can do to help reduce the risk of arson. Parents can be a big help by speaking with their children and ensuring they know the risks and dangers of fire. Making sure that lighters and matches are kept well out of reach of children, as well as making sure they stay clear of disused or derelict buildings, can also make a big difference. Reporting any flytipping to the local council so they get it removed is very important. We saw the fire on Friday was from a sofa set alight, had it not been there the fire might not have happened.’’

The equipment on fire and the damage done