POLICE are appealing for information following a fire at a Basingstoke play area, thought to be deliberate.

Firefighters and police officers were called to the incident at the Oakridge Road play area just after 8pm yesterday evening (April 18).

The 'small fire' was tackled.

Residents in the area have told the Gazette they heard a 'bang', and believe the fire to have been caused by young vandals.

Now, officers are asking anyone with information to come forward.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: "We were called at 8.07pm yesterday, 18 April, to reports of a fire in the park on Oakridge Road, Basingstoke.

"On attendance the small fire had been put out by colleagues at HFRS, and there were no persons present.

"Anyone with information can phone 101 with reference 44210146955."