People living in a Wirral town were outraged after "a group of four lads all dressed in black" began playing with fire in a local children's playground.
People living in Woodchurch, Birkenhead, were shocked when their local area was hit by a group of vandals who were starting fires at Carr Bridge Park. A "a group of four lads all dressed in black" were spotted last Sunday evening setting fire to various items at the park including a children's swing.
Andy, 18, who lives beside the park with his family, reported seeing the group start initial fires in a nearby area of the park, before they moved on to the kids play area. He told the ECHO: "Me and my girlfriend had just parked up after going on a walk.
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"And we see the group walking on the pavement. They first took interest in a hoodie and a bag and proceeded to try an light it. They failed so they went to the park with it.
"They then went straight to the round swing and started trying to light it in which they succeeded."
Andy said that the fires "damaged" the swing despite his efforts to put them out. He spoke of his disappointment that people would do such a thing to the community.
"To be honest, at the time [I felt] nothing. I just ran to get my water bottle to put it out and reduce the damage as much as I can.
"But after I was mad. There was absolutely no need for it.
"My younger sister loves playing there, as do a lot of the neighbours' kids. The park is always full and my sister loved that swing, so yeah, it’s disappointing to see
"It’s horrible. There was no need at all to do it. I've lived here my entire life. I've heard of vandalism an that happening but nothing this bad to be honest."
Other people living in the area reacted similarly. Taking to social media, one woman said "Don't know how these thugs get pleasure from doing this." One person called the group of fire-starters "toe rags", but applauded Andy's quick-thinking to put out the fires.
One woman who lives nearby posted: "What idiots. Shame you didn't get a picture of them" Another said: "This is getting ridiculous. When it's really hot outside and you see youngsters with hoodies on and hoods up you just know they're up to no good."
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