Police plea after Earlsheaton park arson attack

Police are appealing for witnesses after outdoor exercise equipment at a Dewsbury park was damaged in an apparent arson attack.
FIRE DAMAGE Councillors Paul Kane and Cathy Scott with burnt-out equipment at Earlsheaton Park. (d625a327)FIRE DAMAGE Councillors Paul Kane and Cathy Scott with burnt-out equipment at Earlsheaton Park. (d625a327)
FIRE DAMAGE Councillors Paul Kane and Cathy Scott with burnt-out equipment at Earlsheaton Park. (d625a327)

The equipment in the outdoor gym was set alight over the weekend of June 15 and 16, with an estimate £7,000 worth of damage.

Coun Paul Kane, who represents Dewsbury East ward, reported the incident to police, and says he was disappointed with public reaction.

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Coun Kane said: “No members of the public reported it, which I’m concerned about.

“The installation of the park’s equipment was for the benefit of the public, so I’m surprised that they haven’t reported the damage.”

The town council will now meet to decide whether to pay the cost of repairs to the equipment, though Coun Kane admits that may not happen.

He said: “I fought to finance the equipment before it was installed two years ago.

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“It’s good exercise equipment, but people like their council tax to be spent on other areas of the community, such as housing and care.”

Police have conducted door-to-door enquiries and are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the attack.

Inspector Jenny Thompson, Dewsbury and Mirfield NPT, said: “We would like to speak to anyone who has information about those responsible or who saw suspicious behaviour in the park over the last ten days.

“All mindless acts of vandalism such as these do is cause harm to local communities and children.”

Anyone with any information can contact the Dewsbury and Mirfield NPT on 101 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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