Gosport Borough Council has confirmed that part of a play park hit by arson last night will be "fenced off and closed" until further notice.

Shocking photos posted by the local authority show the aftermath of a blaze which is believed to have been started deliberately at Alver Valley County Park just after 5.30pm last night.

Flames torched the tower and slide in what was "not the first time" that the park and surrounding woodland has been targeted by arson, according to Hampshire police.

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A spokesperson for Gosport Borough Council said the authority is "extremely saddened" by the fire that has "caused substantial damage".

"Thankfully the fire service managed to quickly put out the fire," the spokesperson said.

"Police also attended and have confirmed they are treating this as arson and are investigating.

"Unfortunately, there have been a number of acts of vandalism to the park and nearby area recently, which are unacceptable and impact local families and wildlife."

The council confirmed its playground inspector has been out to examine the site today and has arranged for the tower to be "fenced off and closed" to the public until further notice.

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP said she was appalled to see the "deliberate fire" at the park.

"I have contacted Gosport Borough Council to request a timeline for the replacement of the damaged equipment," she said.

"Hampshire Police are investigating this as a crime. If you have any information, please call 101 quoting reference 44250222235."

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Hampshire police's Inspector Warne added: "We deployed our response teams to a fire yesterday at the play park in Alver Valley Country Park.

"We are treating this as arson and we are investigating the crime.

"There has been lots of conversation on social media and with media outlets and it is clear the act of a few has, and will, clearly effect a lot of you as we approach the half term where you will have been using that space with your children.

"The community sentiment is not lost on me and we have reacted to the reports. The investigation continues today and I ask for anybody with information around this crime to come forward and share what they know.

"There is already information that may help us identify the offenders and so I would also urge those people responsible to come forward before we come knocking on your door."