More than £40,000 worth of equipment was destroyed in a “senseless” arson attack at a playground in Watford.

A 6ft wooden pirate ship was set on fire at Garston Park around 8.40pm on Saturday, October 23, causing extensive damage.

Watford Borough Council says the cost of the equipment destroyed was around £45,000 and that it will cost around the same amount to replace it.

This includes, supply, installation and clearing of the site.

Watford Observer: Photo: Cllr Steve CavinderPhoto: Cllr Steve Cavinder

Last year the council upgraded the children’s play area as part of biodiversity and recreation improvements to Garston Park.

The park recently received a Green Flag award, which acknowledges areas with the highest possible environmental, maintenance and visitor standards.

Related - Record number of Green Flag parks and spaces in Watford in 2021

Speaking about the recent arson attack, Watford Mayor Peter Taylor said: “We are all still shocked about what happened to our award-winning and popular Garston Park at the weekend, particularly because it’s children who are the ones who really lose out from this senseless act.

“We’re working hard to restore the park and have already begun clearing the site and hope to have replaced the much-loved pirate ship by Christmas.”

He added: “The cost to the community runs into tens of thousands of pounds but it has also had a tremendous impact on local people and has deprived children of a great, free facility.

“We are continuing to support the Police with their investigation and I urge anyone with information to come forward and do the right thing - we will not stand for this.”

Read more - Playground ‘burnt to the ground by vandals’ in fire

Neighbourhood Sergeant Craig Butler, from Hertfordshire Constabulary, is also urging people with information to come forward.

He said: “A group of teenagers, wearing dark clothing, were seen running from the area around the time of the incident.

“I am appealing for anyone who thinks they may have seen this group, or has any other information which may assist the investigation, to please get in touch. If you live in the area and have CCTV, please review any footage and call us if you have captured anything of note.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/82699/21.