'Outrage' as arsonists strike Thornes Park play area causing £80k damage

An appeal has been made to find the culprits who set fire to Thornes Park play area causing £80,000 worth of damage.
By Leanne Clarke
Published 5th Apr 2024, 15:55 BST
Updated 5th Apr 2024, 15:57 BST
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Wakefield Council is urging the local community to help police find the arsonists who caused the damage to the park’s play area, forcing part of it to close.

The council has only recently re-opened the area after a £400,000 refurbishment with brand-new equipment.

The incident took place on Wednesday, April 3.

Wakefield council is urging the local community to help police find the arsonists who caused around £80,000 worth of damage to Thornes Park play area, forcing part of it to close.Wakefield council is urging the local community to help police find the arsonists who caused around £80,000 worth of damage to Thornes Park play area, forcing part of it to close.
Wakefield council is urging the local community to help police find the arsonists who caused around £80,000 worth of damage to Thornes Park play area, forcing part of it to close.
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Gary Blenkinsop, Wakefield Council’s Service Director for Environment, Streetscene and Climate Change, said: “We know how much local families have enjoyed the new play area and expect that they will be as outraged as we are.

"As a result of this damage, parts of it will remain closed until we can get it repaired.

“The police are treating this as arson, which is a serious criminal offence. And we will be looking to recoup costs from whoever is responsible.

"We can’t stand by and let a minority ruin things for our communities. And I don’t think local people want that either.

£80k damage caused to parts of the play area in Thornes Park£80k damage caused to parts of the play area in Thornes Park
£80k damage caused to parts of the play area in Thornes Park
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“If you know who has done this, report it to the police or council.”

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Council officers will be regularly patrolling the park on an evening, along with a mobile CCTV van, to try and deter any further anti-social behaviour taking place.

Anyone who has any information about the arson attack or anti-social behaviour in the park is encouraged to contact the police online via Live Chat or calling 101, quoting crime reference 13240179750.