Monikie Country Park has re-opened after police cordoned off the entrance earlier on Wednesday - days after the popular public garden was targeted by firebugs.
Emergency services descended on the park at around 6.30am on July 6 to the bewilderment and astonishment of locals. Multiple police vehicles and an ambulance were seen entering the park and a cordon was established at the entrance to the park in Monikie, a few miles north-east of Dundee.
The park re-opened to the public at around 10.30am, and officers have left the scene. Police have since confirmed that the call was in relation to "concern for a person".
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 6.25 am on Wednesday, 5 July, 2022, officers attended a concern for person call within Monikie Park, Monikie, Angus. Officers remain at the scene and enquiries are continuing."
ANGUSalive, which runs the parks on behalf of Angus Council, said on social media: "We're pleased to say the park has now re-opened to the public. Thanks for your understanding during the temporary closure."
No further details are yet available on the incident, the second in just three days to affect the Angus green space. Early on Monday morning, vandals set fire to play equipment including swings and a birdwatchers' hut in the park, causing thousands of pounds of damage.
Wednesday morning's incident is not thought to have any connection to the fire-raising on Monday. Police say enquiries are ongoing in relation to the damage caused.
Meanwhile bosses at ANGUSalive 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: “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. 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."
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