Callous vandals have targeted a play area by setting a children's slide on fire.

Thurrock Council - who have branded the behaviour an "appalling act of destruction" - say the slide at Gobions Park in East Tilbury was destroyed, forcing them to remove the badly fire damaged play equipment.

Bosses have vowed to replace the apparatus as soon as possible, while the rest of the play area remains open for children to enjoy.

Thurrock Gazette:

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Thurrock Gazette:

A spokesperson from Thurrock Council, said: "Vandals have sadly destroyed a slide in the play area of Gobions Park in East Tilbury. We have removed the badly fire damaged slide and will replace it as soon as possible. The rest of the play area is open for children to enjoy.

"If you know anything about who damaged the slide or witnessed this appalling act of destruction you can make a report to Essex Police through their website: http://orlo.uk/G8qQN"