Youths suspected of setting fire to a village play park have been branded "mindless" vandals.

The outrage follows the arson attack at the recreation ground in Minster near Ramsgate on Sunday night.

The blaze was spotted by neighbours who raised the alarm and attempted to put it out while the emergency services were on their way.

Three teenagers were reported to be at the scene but fled when confronted by residents.

A video of the play equipment on fire was posted on the Marvellous Minster Facebook page by Lee Oliver who works in the motor trade and lives nearby.

He had been having a drink at home with a friend, Nick Burden, who spotted the fire as he was leaving.

"Nick called me to tell me the play equipment was on fire and to come down quickly with some water," he said.

"There were some teenagers hanging about who then scarpered and Nick tried to stamp it out with his feet and a bottle of water, which didn't work. He only ended up burning his trainers.

"Fortunately, the firemen arrived soon after and pretty quickly put it out.

"I know kids will be kids but this is such a moronic thing to do."

The vandalism has sparked outrage from villagers and condemnation by the parish council.

Chairman Penny Gimes praised those whose had called the fire service promptly which, she said, had kept damage to a minimum.

But she added: "We are still looking at a cost of around £1,000 to replace the special safety matting we have only recently put down.

"We want to see action because there has to be consequences for causing this sort of wilful damage..."

Cllr Gimes is now urging parents to make sure they know where their children are and what they are up to, especially in the evenings.

"This sort of thing seems to happen every school holiday or half term and we have suffered previous vandalism in the skate park and multi-games area.

"It's extremely disappointing and frustrating because this play area is for families and not all of them can afford to go to expensive attractions.

"Now, as well as part of the play equipment having to be taped off, there's going to be a significant cost to repairing.

"It is just mindless vandalism and I would urge parents in the village to be aware of what their youngsters might be up to.

"We have reported it to the police and want to see action because there has to be consequences for causing this sort of wilful damage."

Others who commented on the village Facebook page included Anjelica Sefton, who wrote: "So selfish and inconsiderate."

Ellie Frampton added: "This is so upsetting", while Vikki Clark wrote: "Well done Lee and Nick. What is wrong with kids?"