RESIDENTS have been left in dismay after new play equipment in a park was torched by “a gang of youths”, destroying a slide and climbing area.

The vandals targeted play equipment in Firthcliffe Park in Liversedge on Wednesday, setting the equipment on fire and leaving a burnt-out carcass of equipment in the aftermath.

Tracey Bedford-King, chair of the Firthcliffe Tenants and Residents Association said the group are now keen to catch the culprits who caused the devastation.

Other local residents called the damage “heart-breaking” and “disgusting”, with the actions labelled “pure senseless vandalism”.

Another upset resident added: “My granddaughter loved that equipment.”

Liversedge and Gomersal Councillor Lisa Holmes has called on local residents with information or footage to come forward to either her or to police to help bring those responsible to justice.

She said: “We can’t allow this to happen without dealing with these disgraceful criminals being dealt with if at all possible.

“You all deserve to live in peace without your area being destroyed like this.”

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