A £50,000 playground castle has been destroyed after it was engulfed in flames.

Firefighters were called to Beachfield's Sandpit in Sheerness this evening after the pricey play park equipment was set alight at about 6.20pm.

Witnesses say emergency crews were quickly on the scene to extinguish the blaze but the castle was destroyed bar its metal framework.

Resident Chris Foulds took to social media to write: "I'm fuming.

"Just seen this coming back from Tesco at Sheerness Sandpit.

"Such a quick response from Kent Fire and Rescue, which also extinguished the fire within a few minutes."

Another witness, Shelby Smith, told KentOnline the equipment will be missed.

“I took photos of the fire at 7.10pm but it started before I arrived and the firemen were already at the scene," she said.

“It will be missed by many as we spent most of the summer at the sandpit with our children.”

The castle was installed at the sandpit in 2019 as a replacement for the former pirates galleon.

A Kent Fire and Rescue spokesman said a fire crew was called to reports of the play equipment alight at the Sandpit, off Beach Street, near Sheerness seafront.

"The cause of the fire is to be investigated. Police attended the scene," he said.

"Our operations were complete at 6.45pm although we remained to assist the police with scene preservation."

The spokesman said there were no reports of injuries.

Swale councillor Oliver Eakin who represents Sheerness posted: "Disappointed to see yet another mindless act of vandalism where people think it’s okay to set things on fire in Sheerness.

"Thankfully the council has confirmed it will be looking to work with Kent Police to find those responsible!"

A spokesman for Swale council said: "We were absolutely devastated to see the damage to the play equipment at Beachfields.

"This was a play area for our children and families to have fun and socialise with friends. To see it like this is heartbreaking for the local community, including our officers.

"We had someone on the scene last night and we'll be assessing the full extent of the damage.

"If anyone has any information about the incident, please report it to Kent Police."

Within hours of the fire, Dawn Turnbull had launched a gofundme page called Rebuild Our Beloved Pirate Play Area to collect cash to rebuild the playground which once also featured a pirates ship.

She wrote: "I am beyond devastated of the actions of the evil people who burnt down our play area. I know 50k is very optimistic but every little helps right?

"Even to give the council a little boost will make all the difference. If everyone on the island was to donate £1, we will be well on our way! We need this for the kids."

A police spokesman said: "We are investigating a suspected arson at a children’s play area in Beach Street, Sheerness.

"Patrols were called to the scene by Kent Fire and Rescue Service at around 6.30pm. Fire crews extinguished the blaze on a climbing frame.

"Officers are urging anyone with information to call the appeal line on 01795 419119 quoting crime reference 46/239631/22.

Police are understood to be viewing CCTV footage from nearby premises. The sand pit is a known haunt for teenagers.

The charred remains of the burnt-out slide have since been fenced off.