Community slams 'mindless vandalism' as Jarrow play park hit by fire

Members of the public have called for action after the incident, which took place at Charlie’s Park, off Church Bank, in the late hours of Friday.

Firefighters were called at around 9.20pm, with one crew from South Shields Community Fire Station attending the scene.

A wooden structure, a Viking boat, was totally destroyed in the fire while other rubber matting across the playground was also damaged.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also confirmed that the blaze was “malicious” in a Tweet posted over the weekend.

Parents and other residents spoke of their shock as news of the fire broke, with some highlighting the impact the incident would have on the families who use the park.

Here is how readers reacted to the news on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

Maureen Glister: “Some people can't leave anything alone. Disgraceful, hope they’re proud of themselves.”

Jen Hurrell: “That's just so awful! Doing that to ruin children's fun place, and part of its history.”

Vicki Milburn: “So sad! Another park destroyed by mindless vandalism.”

Julie Simpson: “I hope they’re happy with themselves.”

Jacqui Lamb: “Terrible, thoughtless, selfish behaviour.”

Paul Barron: “What do they think they are achieving by doing this?”

Valerie Nichol: “Shocking everyone is so annoyed about this.”

Sonja Smith: “Kids can’t have anything these days.”

Neil Flockton: “People will know who did this.”

P Ding Mac: “Awful.”