Two boys arrested on suspicion of arson after fire at Anchorsholme Park playground
Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire that caused significant damage to a children’s play area at Anchorsholme Park.
Officers were called to reports of a fire at the park on Anchorsholme Lane at 12.32am on Sunday, December 28.
Today, police confirmed that two boys aged 15 and 16 were arrested earlier this morning on suspicion of arson. Both remain in custody.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We know this caused a lot of discussion in the local area at the time, so it was important to us that we provide you with an update today.”
Enquiries are continuing and officers are still appealing for CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist the investigation.
The fire caused extensive damage to play equipment, including a large pirate ship structure, prompting widespread concern and discussion in the local community.
Earlier this month, Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers said she had visited the site alongside local councillors and described the damage as “devastating”.
In a Facebook post, Ms Beavers said: “It was devastating to see the damage that has been caused, and the impact this will have on our children locally.
“We have to turn this horrible thing that has happened into a positive, and build the park back better. We also agreed that we need to work together.”
She also thanked Councillor Paul Galley and the Friends of Anchorsholme Park group for their work, adding that the community would “come back from this stronger”.
Councillor Paul Galley, leader of Blackpool’s Conservative councillors, has previously said the damaged play ship is expected to be demolished, with plans already under discussion to replace it with new equipment.
He said residents would be involved in choosing the design of the replacement play area, alongside improved lighting, and confirmed he remains in close contact with senior police officers over the investigation.
“The investigation is ongoing, with significant resources dedicated to it, and I will provide a further update as soon as I am able,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or email [email protected], quoting log number 40 of December 28.