A reward of up to £500 is being offered to anyone with information after a children’s playground in St Paul’s Cray was set on fire.

The arson happened in St Paul’s Recreational Ground on Wednesday (March 14) at 7.45pm on Main Road.

Playground equipment, which is regularly used by children at Riverside School, was destroyed by the fire.

Councillor Kate Lymmer, executive member for public protection and safety, described it as a “despicable act of sheer wanton vandalism”.

She added: “When we can see that it removes a loved play area for local children, it is even more demonic. It cuts right to the heart of our local communities.

“We would very happy to prosecute those responsible if we can gain evidence to do so. Please let the Council or the police know if you know anything or saw anything, no matter how small.

“We will be putting some posters in the vicinity calling for information. And don’t forget that Bromley Council offer a £500 enviro-crime reward for evidence that leads to an arrest.”

Chairman of Friends of St Paul’s Cray Recreation Ground, Andy Wilson, said: “We will not let the very few spoil St Paul’s Cray Rec for the majority.

“Our rec is much cared and cherished by local residents and if anyone does know who is responsible for the vandalism, then please contact the police so that they can take action.”

If you have any information you can report it confidentially here www.bromley.gov.uk/report

Despite the arson attack – News Shopper reported this week how these types of crimes were decreasing in Bromley after the launch of a new initiative.