Country park bosses have slammed the "horrific and reckless" actions of thugs who burned down play equipment and a birdwatching hide in the early hours of Monday morning.
Emergency services rushed to Monikie Country Park, a few miles outside of Dundee, shortly before 4am on July 4 following reports of structures being set alight. However, none of the buildings could be saved and have been reduced to charred wood and ash.
Bosses at ANGUSalive, which is responsible for maintaining the park on behalf of Angus Council, have hit out at those responsible. They say the bill to replace the damaged swings is likely to run into thousands of pounds and could have been much worse if it had spread to surrounding trees.
Colin Knight, senior sport and leisure manager, said: “We can confirm that the bird hide and part of the wooden playpark structure at Monikie Country Park has been completely destroyed in a wilful fire-raising incident which took place in the early hours of Monday 4 July 2022. This was a horrific and reckless act and fire services, who were on-site around 3.45am and quickly brought the fire under control, have confirmed that it was started deliberately.
"Thankfully and luckily no one was injured and no harm was caused to wildlife. However, the fire could have escalated and impacted a larger area with what could have been devastating consequences for the public, wildlife and park.
"We’d like to appeal to anyone who may know who was responsible for this mindless incident to contact 101 and share what they know. I’d also like to ask for the community to help us protect our country parks across Angus by reporting any suspicious behaviour they see in outdoor spaces, as they are a place for everyone to enjoy and are home to many plant species, wildlife and activities which no-one wants to lose.
“We don’t know the total value of the damage but it will be in thousands of pounds. We are really disappointed this has happened, it has destroyed spaces enjoyed by many and is a significant loss to the park. We’ll be reviewing costs and considering replacement plans in due course.”
Angus Council Provost and local councillor Brian Boyd said it was "very disappointing" to see the park subjected to "needless vandalism". He added: "It's very sad to see this happen when Monikie Country Park is trying to get back to normal after the damage caused by Storm Arwen, so I hope the police find out who the culprits are and deal with them accordingly."
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, and have urged those living in the village of Monikie to review any dashcam, doorbell and CCTV footage they might have from around the time it began in case they may have valuable evidence to share.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers received reports of a wilful fire raising at Monikie Country Park around 3:45am on Monday 4 July, 2022. Enquiries are currently ongoing.
"It’s possible that residents living around the park may have CCTV including ring doorbell and car dash camera footage and we would appeal for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote reference number 0352 from 4 July 2022. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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