A CHILDREN’S play area was set on fire in Popley thought to have been started by vandals.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the rubberised floor in the park, between John Hunt Drive and Hargreaves Close, was set alight between 10:20pm and 10:40pm on June 2.

Hampshire Constabulary said: “Anyone with any information should please call 101 quoting reference 44210216037.”

It is not the first time a play park in Basingstoke has been set on fire.

In April, the Gazette reported that a play park in Oakridge Road, known as New Park, was set alight causing damage to the equipment.