Warning after series of 'deliberate' fires at park

Visitors to parks in Stoke-on-Trent in have been issued with a warning over the danger of starting fires.

A spate of "deliberate fires" at Hanley Park led to damage and endangered wildlife habitats in Hanley Park, Stoke-on-Trent City Council said.

Councillor Amjid Wazir, the council's cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability, described the incidents as "reckless" and dangerous".

"Bin your rubbish, make sure cigarettes are extinguished and binned and remember, absolutely no fires or BBQs in the parks," he added.

Recent vandalism at Hanley Park included a "dead" hedgerow, which supported birds, insect and small mammals, being set alight, the city council added.

The local authority added it was teaming up with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue to remind visitors to parks and outdoor spaces of the dangers of starting fires.

The fire service urged people to dispose of rubbish responsibly and to refrain from lighting bonfires and barbecues in public spaces, particularly in dry or windy conditions.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.