A crime-hit park has once again been targeted by “idiots” who set fire to a recently refurbished play park.

Equipment at Warre Recreation Ground in Ramsgate was torched earlier this week, rendering it out of action until it is replaced, and police have launched an investigation.

Pictures show a slide for children charred from the flames, as well as a pretend fire engine just yards away.

It is the latest in a long spell of anti-social behaviour at the Thanet District Council-owned facility, which has had thousands of pounds spent on it in recent years.

Cllr Steve Albon (Lab), cabinet member for cleansing and coastal services, admitted it may get to a point where the council cannot justify any more repairs.

“It is mindless, it doesn’t achieve anything and I don’t know what they get out of it,” he said.

“We're trying to make things better for people and then we get this, the few idiots who will go and do something like this.

“As a council, we have to decide whether it gets to a point where we go: ‘Well, actually, we can't spend any more money on this. We're going to have to take it all away’ which is a horrible thing.

“I really don't want to do that because it spoils it for families.”

The playground has been destroyed by yobs playing with fire before - in October 2022 and again the following April.

More than £45,000 was spent to repair the equipment, which had only just received a major facelift when it was moved elsewhere in the Rec.

Cllr Albon also revealed the basketball courts at the ground have recently been resurfaced, with lots of time and effort spent trying to create a safe space for youngsters.

Despite the setback, wider plans considering the future of TDC-run parks remain a key priority for council chiefs.

“We're looking at all the play areas across all of our parks, and, as part of that process, we are prioritising the worst ones to get refurbished and renewed,” Cllr Albon added.

“We are putting a lot of money into it because it's what our residents want.”

Fire crews confirmed they attended the call to Warre Rec in Newington Road on Monday afternoon, with one engine putting out the flames but the exact cause is still unknown.

A TDC spokesperson said: “The children’s playground at Warre Rec in Ramsgate has recently been vandalised.

“The playpark is closed, and signs have been installed to direct people to the nearest alternative playground. This is in Ellington Park, which is five minutes’ walk away.

“Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the police are currently investigating the vandalism and once this is complete, council teams will remove debris from the damaged areas. The potential cost of repair is not known at this time.”

A police spokesperson added: “The fire was reported to have taken place at around 12.20pm on Monday, May 12.

“Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene and extinguished the fire. Two pieces of play equipment as well as the swings were reportedly left damaged by the fire.

“Officers are investigating and are appealing for anyone who might have information regarding the incident to come forward.

“Anyone who has private CCTV, doorbell CCTV or dashcam footage taken in the area around the time of the fire is also asked to get in touch.”

Witnesses should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/79563/25 or Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or via their website.