Police and the fire service are investigating an arson incident at Warre Rec in Ramsgate.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of climbing equipment in a play area on fire on May 12.
One fire engine attended and crews extinguished the fire using hose reel jets. Due to it being a play area, crews contacted Thanet District Council to make the area safe.
There were no reported injuries.
The play area is currently closed. Debris will be removed once the investigation is completed.
As part of the investigation Kent Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone who has private CCTV, doorbell CCTV or dashcam footage taken in the area around the time of the fire is also asked to get in touch.
Witnesses should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/79563/25.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or via their website.
A Thanet council spokesperson said: “The children’s playground at Warre Rec in Ramsgate has recently been vandalised. The playpark is closed, and signs have been installed to direct people to the nearest alternative playground. This is in Ellington Park, which is five minutes’ walk away.
“Kent Fire and Rescue and the police are currently investigating the vandalism and once this is complete, council teams will remove debris from the damaged areas. The potential cost of repair is not known at this time.
“Members of the public should report instances of vandalism or anti-social behaviour via our website.”
The incident is the third time the small play area has been vandalised. In 2018 thieves swiped the entire play park fence, leaving behind just the posts and a few panels. The council had to fork out £255 in materials and staff time to repair the damage.
In July 2023 Thanet council was facing a £21,000 repair bill due to vandalism in addition to £25,000 that had to be forked out for repairs the previous October when a climbing frame was set alight.
these idiots should be charged with arson ( if they are ever caught ? ) if there was a deterent to this behaviour it might have helped to prevent it
Discipline has gone,all youths get is a pat on the head and a freebie fast food meal + a don’t do it again
Sinic, indeed.
Really, Sinic? Are you quite sure of that? And if so, who do you blame?
MM Rees – Start with their parents and their parenting skills which I suspect are lacking!
It’s not only their parents it’s the government,schools,police,courts,
and all the do gooders that gives these thugs the upper hand.
Never done me any harm discipline as a child I was brought up to respect my surroundings and my elders!!
I have known people who,although they were brought up to behave properly, broke the law in one way or another. I therefore don’t assume that their parents are always to blame.
SHOWS WHAT THANET HAS BECOME. I AGREE WITH SINIC-ABOUT DICIPLINE HAS GONE-GET A LITTLE SMACK ON THE WRIST.
Probably wearing hoodies, smoking weed & giving the one finger salute.