Investigation launched after suspected arson attack at new £400k Long Eaton play area

The fire is believed to have been started deliberately
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


An investigation has been launched following a suspected arson attack at a play area on the Nottinghamshire-Derbyshire border. Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at the children's play area at West Park in Long Eaton, just before 7pm on Tuesday, February 4.

The blaze is thought to have been started deliberately, Derbyshire police said. Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service alerted us to reports of a fire at a children’s play area in Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton, just before 7pm on Tuesday, February 4. The fire is thought to have been started deliberately and investigations into the incident are ongoing."

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A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service added: "Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to attend a fire in the open at West Park, Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton at 6.49pm yesterday. The fire was in a children's play area.

"On call firefighters from Long Eaton Fire Station attended. Police were also in attendance. Crews put the fire out and left the scene at 8.18pm."

According to local reports, the blaze was started after two supermarket trolleys were filled with cardboard and set on fire. The playground had only opened in November last year, with the development costing £400,000.

The cash was awarded to Erewash Borough Council from the government's Shared Prosperity Fund. The play area has a rocking boat, bridges, slides, a zip wire and a climbing frame.

The construction took six months to complete. Anyone with any information about the incident on Tuesday evening is asked to contact Derbyshire police, quoting reference 25*70269.