Arson attack causes £30,000 of damage to children’s park in Gateshead

Police have released images of a damaging arson attack in Gateshead in an appeal to the public.

Officers are asking anyone with information to come forward after a fire that damaged the Beacon Lough East Park children's play area on Sundrew Road.

The incident is believed to have happened overnight from Monday, June 27 and Tuesday, June 28 after those responsible set fire to two wheelie bins.

The blaze then spread to play equipment and cause extensive damage.

No one was injured, but the cost of the damage is estimated to be between £20,000 and £30,000 with the park forced to close.

Enquiries are ongoing to find those responsible, and officers are now appealing to anybody with information to come forward.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Andy Hyde has urged the public to get in touch.

He said: “Arson is an extremely serious offence, fire is very dangerous and can quickly spread and this incident could easily have resulted in serious injury or even a fatality.

“We are carrying out a range of enquiries into the incidents including CCTV surveillance and speaking to witnesses.

“This behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone found to have been involved can expect to be dealt with robustly.

“I am today asking anybody who lives in the area and who believes they may have information regarding these incidents to get in touch – your information could be crucial.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting crime number 075388V/22.