Teenager arrested after equipment in play park set on fire

POLICE in Londonderry have spoken of their “disgust” after a play park was set on fire.

The park at Eglinton in Derry’s Waterside sustained extensive damage in the arson attack on Saturday night.

A 15-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in custody assisting police with their enquiries.

The PSNI said: “What kind of people would set fire and cause such damage to play equipment used by little children?”

Foyle SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said work was already under way to get the play park back in operation. “I’m disgusted at the vandalism of the play park in Eglinton that is used and enjoyed

Damage: Aftermath of attack

by so many families from the village and beyond,” he said.

“I, along with SDLP councillors, will be working to ensure the park can be restored and reopened as soon as possible.

“I would urge anyone with any information about this attack on the community to come forward with it.” DUP councillor Graham Warke said it was not the first time the play park had been targeted. “The play park has now been closed. We have been speaking with many residents this morning who are disgusted by what has happened,” he said.

“The PSNI are aware of the incident and will be following up on the information they now have.”

Police said images of the arson attack had been posted online. “We are aware of a number of videos and images circulating on social media and we would ask for those to be removed and to be sent directly to us,” police said.

“If anyone has information about the incident or those involved we would be keen to hear from you. You can contact us by pm or by phoning 101 and quoting ref 518, 13/01/19.”