A popular park in Sunderland was forced to close after mindless vandals set fire to the equipment causing "significant" damage.
Backhouse Park sustained extensive fire damage after vandals set a wheelie bin alight within the play area over the weekend. The fire damaged the safety surfacing and some of the play equipment which means they will have to be removed.
Sunderland City Council said the park was forced to close while this work is undertaken and said extra patrols by Neighbourhood Wardens are also being carried out to ensure the park is not being targeted by "unnecessary and needless actions".
