A DELIBERATE fire started in the Glen last Tuesday has damaged children's play equipment costing thousands of pounds.

Dunfermline police are now appealing for information about the incident, which they described as "a reckless and needless act of destruction".

One fire engine attended the park at 7.22pm to deal with the fire at a climbing frame and left at 8pm.

The children's play area has been cordoned off with barriers as a result.

Inspector Ian Flynn, from Dunfermline Police Station, said: "We are appealing for information after a deliberate fire was started within the Glen sometime during the evening of Tuesday 7th November.

"As a result of this incident, several pieces of children’s play apparatus within the park was damaged, costing tens of thousands of pounds to replace.

"This has been a reckless and needless act of destruction that has taken the much-used play equipment out of action for the local community.

"If you have information that can help us identify those responsible for this fire, please contact us via 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Councillor Helen Law, convener of the City of Dunfermline area committee, said: “I'm absolutely disgusted at the recent vandalism in the Glen.

"This mindless act will cost many thousands of pounds to put right as the extent of the damage is significant. I cannot understand why anyone would do such a thing; it has only served to deny Dunfermline’s children of a much-loved and greatly-used play facility.

"To see the level of the destruction following the fire in the play area is heart-breaking.

“Unfortunately, the playpark will now be out of commission for the foreseeable future while we try to find funding from somewhere to rebuild it. And of course, this will be money that could have been spent on other much-needed services for the public.

"I sincerely hope the police catch the culprits."

Harry Dunn, of the Friends of Pittencrieff Park, was shocked at the mindless act.

He said: "It really is dreadful. The play equipment provides a lot of fun and now I believe it's going to be out of action for a while."

Bryan Todd, Dunfermline fire station manager, said: "We condemn the starting of deliberate fires and we will be working with our partners in the community to work hard to prevent further incidents happening.

"We will be monitoring the situation and encourage anyone to report information to the police.

"The community is very welcome to get in touch with their local station and we'll be happy to speak to you about community safety."