A COMMUNITY is in “shock” after vandals deliberately set fire to a West Moors school playground in broad daylight.
Dorset Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to reports of a fire in a play park outside Oakhurst Community First and Nursery School on the afternoon of Saturday, May 21.
Described as “well alight on arrival”, the burning rubber matting and wooden play furniture was extinguished using a hose reel jet. Thw crew from Ferndown soon determined that the blaze was started deliberately.
West Moors Town Council described those responsible as “criminals” and said most of the play equipment will now need to be replaced due to fire damage.
A spokesperson said: “The fire brigade left a message on the council office answer machine at 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon, which was after they had dealt with the fire, to inform us what had happened.
“The back part of the park near the school playground is where the fire seems to have been deliberately started, as that is where it's mostly burned.
“The reaction is sincere disappointment and, honestly, shock – even though this seems to be happening far too often in different locations.
“Such disrespect of a young children’s park and one that is so highly used as well. The fact that it happened in broad daylight highlights the mentality of the criminal, which is what it is – criminal damage – not vandalism.
“They are most likely being unperturbed by the consequences of their actions. These criminals have deprived so many children of daily exercise, mental stimulation and social engagement, all essential for a child’s wellbeing.
“If anyone has any information, we ask them to come forward to the council office or police.”
Members of the community were similarly angered by the apparent arson as the play park itself had been refurbished in 2015.
One woman said: “It took a long time to raise the money to update that play park. A great deal of time, money and effort for the young people of West Moors. Gone in a moment of stupidity. Very sad.”
A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “We received a report at 9.20am on Monday, May 23, relating to criminal damage at the Oakhurst play area. It was reported that a fire had caused damage to the play area surface as well as a bench and play equipment.
“Local officers have been made aware. No arrests have been made at this time.”
The park will be closed until refurbishment efforts can be made.
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