Fire under play gear put out by passers-by

VILLAGERS stepped in to douse the flames of a suspected arson attack on play equipment in a park.

They were praised by firefighters but also told they should have called 999.

A developing fire was spotted “under one of the new pieces of play equipment” in Newbold Verdon on Saturday evening.

A villager said she had been walking her dog with her husband and children when she noticed a fire in the play area – where she reported seeing a “young lady” challenging a group of youths.

“There was a fire under one of the new pieces of play equipment,” she said. “A young lady approached the youths, who ran off.

“My husband and I then sent the kids off to the shop for some water as the rubber was burning and the whole equipment would have been burnt up. We put the fire out.

“Please keep your eyes open. It’s so disappointing given the amount of time and money spent on making the park great.”

Market Bosworth Fire Station spotted the comment and responded: “You should have also called 999. Then we can educate once in the area.

“Often, the people involved are still about and can be captured on CCTV.”

Fire service control confirmed no call had been received about the incident and fire crews had not attended as a result.

However, a spokeswoman said the fire service was aware of similar incidents in Hinckley and Bosworth.

Market Bosworth firefighters said: “Our colleagues from Hinckley fire station recently attended a fire in a playground in Hinckley.

“We are saddened to hear reports of similar activity in Newbold Verdon.

“Members of the public extinguished this fire, so well done, but always call 999.

“We can respond to this emergency situation, contact the police and gather any evidence and CCTV footage.”

“We will be in the area along with police over the coming days. Arson is a crime.”