Taxpayers will fork out £14,000 for repairs after “scumbags” started a fire at a playground in Abbey Wood, a councillor has said.

It comes as the latest crime statistics reveal an increase of more than 300 reports of criminal damage a year in Bexley.

Bexley Council appealed last week following an arson attack at Lesnes Abbey playground on July 13.

Cllr Peter Craske, cabinet member for places, revealed on Twitter the cost of the attack.

He said: “This one arson attack caused approximately £14,000 of damage.

“That’s double the cost of maintaining this popular playground per year.

“That’s £14,000 of your/our money that now needs to be found to repair this playground. #scumbags” 

From June 2017 to June this year there were been 1,858 reports of criminal damage – up 20 per cent on five years ago.

Since 2013, reports have increased year on year – with a small drop over the past 12 months.

Lesnes Abbey playground has been targeted three times, with the previous most recent arson in 2015 costing £100,000 in damage.