Firefighters condemn arsonists for destroying play area in Dorchester Park (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Firefighters condemn arsonists for destroying play area in Dorchester Park

6:20pm Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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VANDALS were blasted by firefighters for torching a children’s play area.

Crews discovered a blaze at Dorchester Park in Sandymoor at 8.44pm on Saturday.

Sean Henshaw, station manager at Runcorn Fire Station, said: “Senseless crimes of this nature are a blight on the community.

“This was a lovely play area for children which has now been made unusable.

“I would estimate it will cost thousands of pounds to make good.”

Youths were seen by residents drinking alcohol in the playground and causing a disturbance.

Police were called and are now examining CCTV footage to try and identify the arsonists.

Mr Henshaw said: “The fire service and its partners have made major inroads into the reduction of deliberate fire setting in Runcorn through numerous different activities.”

Deliberate small fires on bins, rubbish and grass fell by 64 per cent in the first two months of 2010, he said.

Anyone with information can call Runcorn fire station on 01928 572811 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.