Arson investigation launched after Waterlooville play area fire

AN ARSON investigation has been launched after a fire was set at a play area last night.
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Waterlooville Fire Station put out the blaze at Newlands Walk play area, on the Berewood Estate in Waterlooville, just before 6pm last night.

The crew said the fire was ‘deliberately set by youths’.

It has left damage to the wooden equipment and severely burnt the ground of the park, which opened two years ago.

Damage at Newlands Walk play area in Waterlooville. Picture: Waterlooville Fire StationDamage at Newlands Walk play area in Waterlooville. Picture: Waterlooville Fire Station
Damage at Newlands Walk play area in Waterlooville. Picture: Waterlooville Fire Station

Police have now started arson investigation.

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A tweet from Waterlooville Fire Station read: ‘We have just returned from a fire in the open. On arrival we found a well developed fire in a local playground, deliberately set by youths.

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Waterlooville playground damaged after teenagers 'deliberately' set fire to equi...

‘One jet used to extinguish the fire and one playground sadly no longer available to be used by the public. #arson.’

There has been outcry from residents on social media about the incident which has left the park out of use the week before half term.

Marjorie Stewart-Baxter wrote on The News Facebook page: ‘So sad for the kids that enjoy that park.

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‘What little we are allowed to enjoy these days. I hope they don't have upset little siblings because of their selfishness. Parents should be disgusted.’

Sally Moore added: ‘Absolutely disgusting!

‘Tough measures and serious consequences is what is needed!’

Another added: ‘This is so horrendous. My two children are in tears this is their favourite local park and cannot believe such evil people exist, hope they get caught.’

A police spokeswoman said: ‘We were called at 7.15pm yesterday to reports of a fire at the play park on Darnel Road, Waterlooville.

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‘The fire is being treated as arson. Anyone with information can phone 101 with the reference 44200406794.’

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