A PLAY park in Basingstoke was set on fire in a suspected arson attack over the weekend. 

The incident took place on Sunday, October 23 in the children’s play park located off Winklebury Way, next to Winklebury playing fields.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: “Basingstoke firefighters were alerted to a play park blaze on Winklebury Way at 20:46 on Sunday evening.

“The play park equipment which was well alight was extinguished using one hose reel jet.

"It is believed the fire was set deliberately, so crews informed police of the blaze before they returned to the station at 21:13.”

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Police are now carrying out an investigation into the incident. 

A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: “We were called at 9pm on Sunday 23 October to reports of a suspected arson incident at a play park in Winklebury Way in Basingstoke.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 44220431507.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council took to Facebook to share the news.

They posted: "We’re sorry to say that we have had to temporarily close Winklebury play area after a large piece of play equipment, which was installed less than a year ago, was destroyed by fire over the weekend. The incident has been reported to the police.

"Our cleansing team will visit the site as soon as possible to clear the debris and wash down and patch up the surfacing. The play area will remain closed until it is safe for children to play in.

"Acts like this directly affect the children in our communities. If you spot any damage to our play areas, please report it to the police as an incident of criminal damage."