Text entered

Arson attack on play park

Northumbria Police

19 January 2011


Police are appealing for information after a suspected arson attack on play equipment at a North Tyneside park.
At around 6.20pm on Sunday January 16 reports were received of a children's play roundabout on fire at Lockey Park on Great North Road, Wideopen.
No other equipment was damaged, but the fire caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the roundabout.
PC Alex Watson of North Tyneside Area Command said: "It was dark at the time of the incident and thankfully nobody was using the play equipment. But this is a popular area and it is fortunate that nobody has been hurt as a result of this fire.
"The park is there for the benefit of local children and it is appalling to think that anybody would want to target a community facility in this way.
"We are treating this as suspicious. Incidents of this nature are very serious and the community can be assured that we are doing everything possible to locate those responsible. I would appeal to anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious to come forward."
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 03456 043 043 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.