Playground torched in spate of fires across town

A playground was torched as a series of fires were started in open areas across a town in Nottinghamshire.

In just over two hours on Monday evening, fire crews said they tackled five separate fires.

The final incident was in Prospect Park, where newly-installed play equipment was damaged by a fire started on rubber matting.

The fires have been reported to Nottinghamshire Police to investigate by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The fire brigade said it tackled five incidents in the town between 18:15 and 20:30 BST.

The fire in Prospect Park was reported at 20:30, with crews from Worksop, Harworth and Edwinstowe working to stop the fire from the burning rubber spreading to nearby trees.

Bassetlaw District Council said climbing blocks installed in the spring at a cost of about £6,200 were damaged.

Councillor Darrell Pulk said the authority was "extremely shocked and disappointed" at the suspected arson.

He said a clean-up operation to "significant damage" at the park was under way on Tuesday.

Pulk added: "We have very limited funds to buy and install play equipment in the district, and it is heart-breaking when a mindless incident like this happens and robs a community of something that would bring fun and enjoyment to lots of young people."

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