Slide torched by 'mindless idiots'

DESTROYED . . . The children's play slide in Dogford Park targeted by arsonists

"MINDLESS idiots" set fire to a children's play slide in Royton yesterday.

The top entrance to a popular large green slide in Dogford Park had been melted away after being set alight.

Resident Deborah White discovered that the large section of the park attraction had been scorched and reported the issue.

Greater Manchester Police who attended the scene are treating it as an arson attack and an investigation is under way.

George Nicholson, Chairman of Friends of Dogford Park, said: "They are mindless idiots.

"I do not understand. It is absolutely devastating.

"Somehow they have set fire to the top section where the children enter the slide and the canopy has been melted away.

"It was quite a popular slide but unfortunately the damage is extensive and the slide can no longer be used by the children.

"We have told people in the park to try and keep their children away from it because we do not know how dangerous the substance is.

"I have left it with Oldham Council, who own the equipment, to arrange for it to be made safe.

"I'm not sure what will happen or whether they will be able to get a new facility."

The damaged slide, at the top of a hill, was installed in the playground around 10 years ago for children aged 10 plus.

Mr Nicholson was informed about the damage at 11.30am and phoned the police and Oldham Council's parks departments.

Other reports have been made about fires in Royton causing damage to park equipment.

The incident in Dogford Park occurred overnight between 6pm on Saturday and 11.30am on Sunday.

Kathryn Evans said on social media: "There are some truly horrible people about who spoil things for others. They have no self respect and no desire to be a better person.

"I pity them."

Friends of Dogford Park have installed new picnic benches at the site and aimed to make improvements since forming just over one year ago.

Mr Nicholson said: "We have just put nearly 3,000 bulbs into the park with the help of 20 children from Fir Bank Primary School in Royton and St Hilda's Primary School in Oldham.

"We have managed to put a bench in the park by securing funding and holding community events.

"Others in the group and local park users are really upset about it because it takes away some of the fun that the children would have had."

A police spokesman said: "It looks as though police attended but there was no one there. Inquiries are ongoing. It is being treated as arson."

Anyone with information should call 101.