Appeal issued after play equipment arson attack

The arson attack occurred at a play area in the Burn Valley Gardens - close to the entrance off Elwick Road - at around 7.35pm on Monday (April 30th) and Hartlepool Borough Council is hoping that local residents or passers-by may have seen something.

A plastic slide was left completely melted after being set alight using some form of accelerant.

Sarah Scarr, the Council's Heritage and Countryside Manager, beside the destroyed slide

Cleveland Police say a group of around ten youths, both boys and girls aged 13-14, were seen leaving the area at the time.

Councillor Dave Hunter, Chair of the Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee, said: “This is sheer mindless vandalism and it is so frustrating that play equipment put in place by the Council for local families to enjoy is being destroyed in this way.

“I would urge anyone who has information about this incident to get in touch with the police on 101. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org and a reward may be payable.

“This isn’t the first time that the play area has been targeted and I would appeal to residents living in the vicinity and passers-by to act as our eyes and ears at all times by reporting suspicious activity to the police.”