Chaddesden children's playground torched by arsonists

Damage to the park was discovered on Sunday morning

A children's play area in Derby has been left "extensively damaged" after being set on fire.

Councillors in Chaddesden said they were "gutted" to see the damage near Oregon Way, which was discovered by the council's park team on Sunday morning.

A 48-hour dispersal order had been introduced by police on Friday in response to weeks of antisocial behaviour.

The damage has been reported to Derbyshire Police.

The group of councillors posted on Facebook: "Your Chaddesden team are absolutely gutted a play area, designed for young people to play on has been targeted by callous and criminal individuals.

"We are determined to find these people and will demand they are prosecuted to the fullest."

Parts of the play area's specialist padded floor has been destroyed and the equipment burnt

Derby City Council said large areas of the safety flooring had been set alight and repairs could cost several thousands of pounds.

It added the playground would remain locked until a safety check was carried out later in the week.

Councillor Rob Cooper said scorch marks had also been left on equipment and seating, adding: "It's a place where young children can go and enjoy some time with their friends and family so to see this is devastating for the local area.

"The parks team have done a great job in clearing the area but this comes in the backdrop of a dispersal order for the area and a lot of the residents are just getting sick and tired of a cohort of people that are trying to ruin the peace."

The fire follows reports of antisocial behaviour in recent weeks

Mr Cooper said there had been several reports in the past four weeks of a group of young people wearing balaclavas and face masks carrying out robberies and causing a nuisance by riding mopeds and off-road motorcycles.

He said the group was also thought to be connected to a stabbing in the nearby Oakwood area.

Mr Cooper, who described the damage as "soul destroying", added: "It is causing a lot of concern for the local residents and we just want to see the police out more, to step up their patrols, and catch these people to stop what is going on."

Derbyshire Police confirmed it was investigating and urged anyone with information to contact them.