MP responds after 'suspected' arson attack on newly created Long Eaton play area

Police officers in Erewash have launched an investigation after a suspected arson attack was carried out on a newly created play park in Long Eaton.

Emergency services were called to West Park at around 7pm on Tuesday 4th February.  On line images show what appear to be sporadic fires from items placed near to equipment although a statement from Derbyshire Police said that investigations are ongoing.

A statement from a spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service added: "Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to attend a fire in the open at West Park, Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton at 6.49pm yesterday. The fire was in a children's play area. On call firefighters from Long Eaton Fire Station attended. Police were also in attendance. Crews put the fire out and left the scene at 8.18pm."

Local reports suggest that the items placed near equipment were supermarket trolleys which had been filled with cardboard and set alight at the playground which opened in late 2024 after a public consultation and funding of £400,000 secured by the Borough Council from the Government's Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Erewash MP Adam Thompson took to social media to express his extreme sadness at the incident.  He said: "Thankfully, I understand that the damage was pretty limited and it is only a small portion that was damaged in any way.

"Still though, this is absolutely unacceptable and I will be speaking to both the local council and hopefully to the local police to discuss this issue. More broadly, I'm very pleased that the Government has put money aside for 13,000 new police officers and police community support officers to make sure that we can minimise this type of crime.

"It is not acceptable that this has happened, especially to a new wonderful asset of community value."

Anyone with any information about the incident is being asked to contact Derbyshire Police on the non-emergency number 101, or by using social media or their website, quoting reference 25*70269.  Alternatively, information can be provided in confidence via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by going to crimestoppers-uk-org.