Historic Wolverhampton park shelter damaged in arson attack

Around half of the roof space of the structure was damaged in the blaze in Hickman Park, in Wolverhampton.

Community leaders have today condemned the yobs who have also been throwing the railings put up after the last attack into a nearby pond.

Wolverhampton City Council Councillor Elias Mattu, cabinet member for leisure and communities, said he was saddened by the attacks.

He said: "I am very disappointed and heart-broken.

"It has only been a few months since thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to it.

"This is very sad for everyone in Wolverhampton.

"It is a much-loved facility, and with the weather turning nicer it would have been used extensively.

"It is shocking that people would decide to do this and bring upset to the community.

"What is also very sad is that it is all public money that is spent on these projects and, of course, the time and resources of the police and fire service.

"I am nothing short of heart-broken," he added.

In March, £40,000 worth of damage was caused at the site when vandals set a moped on fire which spread to the shelter. Repairs after that attack were due to start in the next few weeks.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Catherine Hickman said a criminal investigation has now been launched.

She said: "We were alerted to the incident by fire control.

"It is currently under investigation by specialist fire investigators who are carrying out inquiries."

Firefighters were called out at 8.30pm on Friday. Bilston Fire Station commander Andy Howard said: "Some kids set fire to the shelter."

"Around 50 per cent of the roof was damaged. The police were called but I don't think they were caught."

The original shelter dates back to the opening of Hickman Park in 1911.

It had been restored to its former glory as part of the £1 million lottery-funded redevelopment of the park in 2008.

Anyone with information on the incident are asked to call Wolverhampton police on 101.