Appeal continues for vandals who torched children's play park in Lesnes Abbey Woods

A climbing frame in one of Bexley's most popular play areas in Lesnes Abbey Woods has been reduced to a charred wreck, after it was set alight on June 9.

Thamesmead Metropolitan Police officer Chris Molnar posted pictures of the burning structure on social media after PCSOs Gina Buckley and Dennis Hobbs were alerted at around 8pm.

The burning structure in Lesney Abbey Woods (c.) Thamesmead MPS

PC Molnar said: "If they weren't walking down there and weren't available I don't think any of the structure or the trees would have been there.

"London Fire Brigade were very quick on the scene. Without these two factors we would have been looking at a much larger fire."

The appeal has received a huge response in what PC Molnar described as their most successful yet.

Amit Patel, who owns Belvedere News, Food and Wines, said his children used the park on a regular basis.

The dad-of-two said: "With the budget cuts from central government I very much doubt if Bexley Council will have enough funds to have it replaced, unless they find a kind business or someone to sponsor or contribute towards the cost.

"We have never witnessed any sort of unruly children or kids running riot. It came as a bit of a surprise to be honest."

Bexley resident Claire Crossingham and daughter Saskia, 5, used to enjoy using the park.

A Bexley Council spokeswoman said the fire damaged tower slide has been isolated and secured by temporary fencing.

She said: "The company who supplied and installed the equipment are being invited to prepare an estimate for its repair or replacement.

"We would urge anyone who can help to identify those responsible for this selfish act of vandalism to contact the local police or call crimestoppers."

Lesnes Abbey ward councillor and Belvedere resident, Danny Hackett, described the incident as a "disgusting act of vandalism".

He said: "It's just such a shame- it's a very well used, well loved park in quite a deprived part of Bexley.

"It seems to almost be that people take away from the people who are the least fortunate, that's why it's so depressing."

The 21-year-old said his sister, 11, and nine-year-old brother were big fans of the play area.

Mr Hackett said for his autistic brother the climbing frame was "a great place to express himself".

He added: "The main thing is to try and find out who has committed the crime and the full weight of the law should fall upon them.

"Obviously we're extremely thankful there was no one in there.

"The emergency services have done a great job, it could have been a lot worse."

The appeal for information continues.

The National Lottery funded play area, which was installed in 2008, neighbours the historic Lesnes Abbey ruins.

Bexley councillor Philip Read said the council's rolling capital programme for playground repairs across the borough stands at £175,000 - of which £30,000 has already been used.

He estimated the cost of removing and replacing the structure would be around £107,000.