Arsonists set fire to Anchorsholme Park pirate ship play area overnight
Police are investigating a blaze which torched the play area in Anchorsholme Park overnight, causing “hundreds of thousands of pounds” in damage.
The arsonists struck at 12.30am this morning and caused significant damage to the pirate ship in the play area.
Police and fire crews were called to the scene and the cause was deemed suspicious. Firefighters tackled the blaze with a hose reel jet and remained at the scene until 2am.
A cordon is in place this morning and Lancashire Police have confirmed the fire is being treated as arson.
No arrests have been made at this stage and the force is asking anyone with information to contact 101, quoting log number 0040 of December 28.
A police spokesman said: “It's being treated as an arson. We were called at 12.30am this morning. Investigation underway and enquiries ongoing.”
In a video post on Facebook, Blackpool councillor Paul Galley said he was “absolutely devastated” and pledged to “get the CCTV looked at and find out who has done this and go after them."
He said: "To say I'm angry is an understatement. This has happened overnight, they've absolutely devastated the play equipment here.
"Hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage [has been caused]. I'm so angry. This all costs public money. There isn't the money available to replace this sort of stuff.
"Whoever has done this has trashed everything for so many people. So much enjoyment, so much pleasure, just for what? Absolutely devastated...
"I'm going to call a meeting with the Friends [of Anchorsholme Park], the Council and we will get into the solution mode but today I'm just angry. We are going to get the CCTV looked at and find out who has done this and go after them."
A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service added: "At 00.26, two fire engines from Bispham and Fleetwood responded to a fire in the open on Queens Promenade, Blackpool.
“Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used one hose reel jet. Crews remained on the scene for one hour and twenty minutes."