Two boys, 11, are questioned by police after 'arson attack' on play park which caused £50,000 of damage

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Two 11-year-old boys have been questioned by the police after an arson attack at a play park which caused £50,000 worth of damage. 

Emergency services were called to Rainbow Park in Nottingham to tackle the blaze at around 4pm on September 29.

After reviewing CCTV footage of the incident, two young boys were identified by police and have been questioned on suspicion of arson earlier today.

Shocking images show a fire forming under a slide, minutes before the entire play park was engulfed in flames. 

In photos captured after the fire, seats can be seen completely burned off, whilst other climbing frame parts have been destroyed.

The boys have now been released under investigation by Nottinghamshire Police. 

Inspector Hayley Crawford, District Commander for Bassetlaw, said: 'I'm gutted for the local children who have lost their play park as a result of this arson attack. For me, that's the saddest thing.

Shocking images show a fire forming under a slide, minutes before the entire play park was engulfed in flames

Damage to the park after shows the climbing structure covered in ash and burnt to the ground, with stained metal poles remaining

A rocking seat made of plastic is completely melted

'Families and children have been deprived of the opportunity to use and enjoy the park.

'I want to reassure the local community that we are treating this incident very seriously.

'Our investigation remains ongoing, and we will take appropriate action against those who were involved in this mindless attack.

'It goes without saying that arson is an incredibly serious offence that can lead to catastrophic consequences.'

The cost of the damage to the play equipment has been estimated to be around £50,000.

Councillor Darrell Pulk, cabinet member for environment and energy at Bassetlaw District Council, said: 'This play park was specifically designed to give young children a safe area to enjoy themselves, play and have fun.

'Not only do acts of vandalism and antisocial behaviour like this, take that away from children in our area, they also divert time and resources away from our emergency services.'

Anyone with any information about the fire is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 561 of 29 September 2023.