Police have launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack following a fire in the local Flackwell Heath park last night.

The fire was reported to the emergency services at 10.03pm last night (August 2) to the park of Straight Bit with pictures today showing playground equipment to be fully destroyed by the blaze.

Earlier this year, a similar investigation was launched on April 2 in which the same playground equipment was damaged by a smaller fire.

Bucks Free Press: Playground equipment was completely destroyedPlayground equipment was completely destroyed

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "We were called at 10.03pm last night (2/8) to reports of a fire at the park in Straight Bit, Flackwell Heath.

"Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service extinguished the fire, and nobody was injured.

"This is being treated as a suspected arson, and anybody with any information, or who witnessed how this fire started, is urged to call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference number 43220343626."

Bucks Free Press: Emergency services were called to the fire last nightEmergency services were called to the fire last night

A Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "One appliance and crew from Marlow and Beaconsfield attended a fire in a recreational ground involving a wooden structure measuring four metre by four metre." 
"Firefighters used one hose reel jet and thermal imaging camera to extinguish the fire and make the area safe. 
"This is being treated as a suspected arson, and anybody with any information, or who witnessed how this fire started, is urged to call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference number 43220343626."

Bucks Free Press: Further equipment was destroyed by the fireFurther equipment was destroyed by the fire

A public meeting was held on June 24 over concerns about the "on-going" anti-social behavior in the village.

Following the meeting, a Chepping Wycombe parish council social media post said: "Great concern was also expressed by residents about the lack of CCTV particularly in the Straight Bit Recreation Ground and there were suggestions to install floodlights and other measures to deter children from congregating there late into the evening.

"These are now being addressed by the Buckinghamshire Council community safety team and the parish council with the assistance of the police."

On July 24, Chepping Wycombe parish council's grounds team repaired the swings and cradle in the playground as were "unsafe to use".

However, these do not appear to be damaged in the fire.

The Bucks Free Press has approached Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue, Buckinghamshire Council and Chepping Wycombe Parish Council for a comment.