Firefighters were called when a children’s playground was set on fire.

The popular play area in Rectory Park, Sittingbourne, will have to be cleaned and repaired after it was set alight at around 7.40 pm yesterday evening.

Emergency crews spent 15 minutes battling the blaze which had charred wood and melted the foam matting within the playground.

The council estimates it will cost £400 to clean up the play area and provide a new deck panel.

It has been suggested that the fire may have been started by youths seen in the area but police have decided no action will be taken due to the minimal damage caused.

Council spokesman said: “It’s disappointing to see the play equipment deliberately targeted, but thankfully the damage is minimal, and the park is safe to use.

"We are arranging some works to clean up the equipment and surrounding area so local families can continue to safely enjoy the facilities.”