Playground equipment destroyed in suspected arson

A police investigation has been launched after playground equipment at a park in Sussex was destroyed by fire.

Brighton & Hove City Council said while its team was carrying out daily inspections and litter picks on Monday they discovered play equipment in Queens Park had been damaged.

Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sport and recreation, condemned the incident as "disgusting" and said the playground was "ruined by a mindless act of vandalism".

A spokesperson for the council said the damage was "extensive" and estimated the repair costs to be about £30,000.

Mr Robins added: "I simply cannot understand why anyone would want to damage a children's playground.

"We've worked hard to try and make play facilities across the city fun and enjoyable for children."

The council said the damaged area had been made safe and cordoned off from the rest of the play area.

It added it hoped to replace the equipment by the summer.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: "Emergency services responded to a fire at a playground in Queens Park, Brighton, at about 06:00 GMT on Monday, 17 March.

"The fire is being treated as suspicious and police are investigating.

"Anyone with information is asked to come forward."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.