Arsonists have targeted a beloved play park - razing equipment to the ground in the early hours.

Police and fire crews were called to the blaze in Cross Lane, Faversham, beside Faversham Pools, at about 3.50am.

Officers are now investigating the incident, which police say "is currently believed to be suspicious".

An image taken this morning shows a much-used piece of apparatus blackened and burned to the ground.

The "vile" attack has sparked outrage from hundreds of residents who have taken to social media to share their dismay.

One woman described it as an "absolute disgrace".

She added: "Makes me sad that whoever did this thought it would be 'fun'. Hopefully they will have plenty of CCTV around and will be able to catch them."

Another resident described the vandalism as "disgusting", while another still wrote: "Why?! Just mindless idiots who have absolutely no thought for anyone else and no respect for anything."

Swale borough councillor Angela Harrison has also vehemently criticised those who damaged the play area, which is owned by SBC.

"It’s heartbreaking to see the damage," said Cllr Harrison, the authority's cabinet member for health and wellbeing. "I simply can’t understand the mentality of whoever did this.

“To deliberately and maliciously set fire to play equipment shows a staggering selfishness and disregard for the safety of others, and I hope those responsible are quickly caught and punished.

“It’s a park for goodness’ sake! It’s a place where children and families meet up and have fun together, and now they will suffer because of someone’s criminal actions.

“We’re reporting the criminal damage to the police, and we hope the nearby CCTV will be able to help identify those responsible.

“We will have to speak to our insurers about replacing the equipment, but this will unfortunately take time.

"It will still ultimately end up costing hard-pressed council tax payers to replace it, and that gives less money for other services.

“For now, we are working to secure the play area, and we’ll have to get a contractor in to clear the remains so the undamaged areas can be safely used by the community.”

The incident comes days after a new bench was also torched in a suspected arson attack in Faversham.

The wooden seating had been installed by Westbrook Stream just a week previously.

Appealing for information, Faversham Town Council said at the time: "This bench was kindly donated by two Faversham residents, as they wanted somewhere they, and others, could rest and watch the wildlife.

"They are devastated to see this damage. If you have any information, please let us know."