Police Scotland have launched a probe after a much-loved children's playpark was set ablaze over the weekend by cruel vandals. Fire crews were called to Eastside park in Kirkintilloch shortly before 9.30am on Saturday, November 5, after reports of a fire.
Images from the scene show flames ripping through the playpark equipment, which was installed in 2019 by the council at a cost of around £60,000. The fire follows an earlier incident at the park which saw thugs target Spinning Cups, which were inclusive pieces of equipment that could be used by disabled youngsters.
East Dunbartonshire Council has slammed the actions of the vandals, which destroyed two installations including the main climbing frame. And Police Scotland, which was made aware of the fire attack on Tuesday, has confirmed they have started an investigation.
In a statement Ann Davie, Depute Chief Executive of the council, said, "The playpark at Eastside was installed in 2019, at a cost of £60,000, and has become a much loved and well-used amenity for local children. Once again, our young people will be deprived of a fantastic play facility due to the actions of vandals following an incident at the weekend which has resulted in a fire destroying two of the installations, including the main climbing frame.
"This follows an earlier incident when fire damage destroyed another play unit. We would request that anyone with information please contact Police Scotland. Our team has now started the process to repair and/or replace the damaged equipment as soon as possible."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Tuesday, November 5, police were made aware of a fire that took place in Eastside Park at Ledgate in Kirkintilloch on the morning of Saturday, November 5, 2022. The fire was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 9.24am on Saturday, 5 November to reports of a fire within a swing park at Kilsyth Road, Kirkintilloch. Operations Control mobilised one fire appliances to the scene. There were no reported casualties and crews left shortly after once ensuring the area was made safe.”
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