Arson suspected after playpark fire

The fire at the playpark in Marhamchurch is being investigated as arson

A fire at a play area in north Cornwall could have been arson, according to the local fire service.

Crews from Bude Fire Station were called to Marhamchurch playpark, near Bude at about 17:00 BST on Wednesday evening.

Firefighters said a plastic park bench and table were alight when they arrived and they extinguished the blaze.

Police said the fire also caused "significant damage to the perimeter fence of the playpark" and said they were treating the incident as arson.

Officers said anyone with any information should contact the police.

Smoke from the fire could be seen from the beach at nearby Bude

'Mindless destruction'

Resident Adam Mckenzie, who spotted the smoke while walking his dog on the beach in Bude, said: "It’s pretty tragic to be honest, it meant a lot to the local community."

Nikki Unger, who lives in the village, said on social media: "We have spent years raising money for this play park for our children to enjoy.

"Some of us are in tears about this mindless destruction, not even to mention the threat to the surrounding houses and the fear for their homes."