Firefighters from Bromsgrove Fire Station were called to the children's play area in Market Street, near Asda, at 7.08pm on Sunday (October 21).

The blaze, which involved paper and rubber mat flooring, was extinguished using a hose reel jet.

Police say the fire caused around £20,000 worth of damage to play equipment, and believe it was started deliberately by a group of three males and a female.

District councillor Peter Whittaker, whose portfolio covers leisure services, said: "It’s just a crying shame, particularly as its half term.

"It’s the little kids it hurts most, the little brothers and sisters who won’t be able to play outside there now. And it hits everyone in the pocket.

"We’re working with the police and we’ll bring it back in to use asap.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, and are particularly interested in seeing any video footage of the blaze, or people in the area at the time.

Anyone with information is urged to call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident number 0645s.