Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Maria Cassidy

Police probe as fire started in children's playground in Newcastle causing 'significant damage'

An investigation has been launched after suspected arson at a playground in Newcastle.

An investigation is ongoing after a children’s playground was damaged on Brunton Lane, Kingston Park on April 23. It is believed that those responsible entered the park’s play area around 8.30pm and stripped wood from nearby trees to start a fire causing significant damage to the grounds and play equipment.

Emergency services were called and the fire was safely extinguished however, the offenders had fled the scene and their actions have left the park unusable for the local children. An investigation has been launched and officers are treating the fire as suspected arson and are asking the public to come forward with any information.

Neighbourhood Inspector Karen Madge, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a senseless offence which has left a community without its local park. This behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities and anyone found to have been involved can expect to be dealt with robustly.

“A number of enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved but today we’re asking anyone who may have information that could help our investigation to get in touch – no matter how small the detail.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting reference number NP-20220423-1097.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.