An appeal has been launched by Bexley Council after Lesnes Abbey Wood children's playground was burnt out in a suspected arson attack.

The area of the playground that was damaged in the fire, which includes a climbing wall, has been cordoned off and is now out of use after the fire on Friday evening (July 13).

While playground repair specialists are assessing the damage, the council estimates thousands of pounds will have to be spent on repairs.

This is suspected to be the third arson attack on the playground, with the last incident causing £100,000 worth of damage in 2015.

After Friday's fire, the council has appealed for witnesses and has urged the public to be vigilant.

Cllr Peter Craske said: "We provide 33 playgrounds in the borough and our budget for repairs and renewals is limited.

"We have worked hard to use Council Tax payers’ money to provide a great playground for local children and visitors to Lesnes, but the continual use of public funds to repair deliberate criminal damage is in no one’s interest.

"It disadvantages children across the borough and is not sustainable.

"Those involved in this mindless anti-social activity should know that we will seek to ensure the full force of the law is brought to bear on those responsible for this crime, the penalty for which could be a substantial fine and a prison sentence."

Anyone with any information is asked to call the council on 020 3045 3693 or email parksandopenspaces@bexley.gov.uk.

Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.