“DISGRACEFUL” arsonists destroyed a distinctive children’s swing and caused £3,000 worth of damage in the process.

They burned out the popular cradle swing in Boscombe Chine Gardens and damaged the soft floor underneath.

The timber frame survived the blaze but now the money for a replacement needs to be found. Boscombe West Cllr Chris Wakefield said: “What mindless vandalism.

“Why would anyone want to destroy the enjoyment of small children?

“We are encouraging people to ring the police straight away if they see anything like this.”

Dorset Police were called to the incident at around 7.55pm on Friday.

The remains of the swing were removed on Monday. No-one has been arrested.

Cllr Jane Kelly, a member of The Friends of Boscombe Chine Gardens said: “I was absolutely devastated when I saw the damage.

“We can only try to find the money to make good, however difficult it is, as if we don’t, we have let them win, and that is not going to happen.

“I only wish that we could find out who did it and show them the problems they have caused to the children who use the gardens and to the council.”

Boscombe Chine Gardens was completely refurbished and reopened in 2007 thanks a £2.4million Heritage Lottery Grant.

Marty Sexton, the council’s parks technical officer, emailed councillors to say: “I don’t need to express my frustration at this type of vandalism stretching an existing thin budget and the disruption caused to children and parents.”