Police issue statement over torched play park in Bristol

Vandals set alight a wooden play fort at a park in Bristol - and now police have launched in investigation to catch up with those responsible.

Avon and Somerset Police have also stepped up patrols at other parks in the area around Meade Park in Stoke Gifford after recent reports of anti social behaviour.

The fire at Meade Park happened on Saturday night at 8.30pm. The play fort was only installed in 2021 - but today its charred remains can only be seen.

Local councillors Neel DasGupta and Keith Cranney have launched a campaign to get the park reopened as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation, and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Sgt Craig Doyle said: “The fire has badly damaged a much-loved community resource and we’re investigating the circumstances to establish who was responsible for starting it.

“We’d like to speak to any eye-witnesses, as well as anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area of the play park prior to the fire breaking out. If you have relevant mobile phone footage, or any other footage, which would help us identify those responsible, please contact us.

“We’ve increased our patrols in the parks in Stoke Gifford following some recent reports of anti-social behaviour and we’d encourage local residents to continue to report incidents to the Neighbourhood Policing team.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223143028.