Children's play park in Essington up in flames

A fundraising page has been set up to replace Swan Park and buy CCTV for the site with a goal of £2,000.

It has so far raised more than £500 since yesterday.

The park is believed to have been deliberately set on fire. Rebecca Fisher posted on the GoFundMe page saying: "Today, my son's favourite spot in Essington (Swan Park on Hobnock Road) was set on fire by some absolute scum bags. I was only there earlier today with my son, we go there most days, he absolutely loves it there as do all the children of Essington.

"The children who attend St Johns Primary School tend to go every day after school too which they will no longer be able to do.

"I would be so so grateful if anyone could find it in their hearts to donate anything big or small to help cover the cost of a new park for the children. Anything extra we raise will pay for CCTV to prevent this happening again.

"Thank you so much for reading and your donations."

A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters were called to a report of a fire on the play park off Hobnock Road, Essington, at 4.30pm on Thursday 10 September.

"An appliance from Cannock attended and extinguished the fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately. They left the scene at around 5.35pm."

Staffordshire Police said the owners had not reported it to them.

To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/new-swan-park