An arson attack at a children's play area has raised further concerns about the safety of parks.

The fire, at approximately 10.30pm on Saturday, November 22, destroyed the play area in Grovelands Park, Winchmore Hill. It has been claimed that the vandals entered through an unlocked pedestrian gate.

The area has now been cordoned off as police investigate the incident. It also believed that the park cafe was subject to an attack but no damage was sustained.

Peter Gibbs, head of the Consortium of Friends of Enfield Parks, said: “This is a very serious incident and we are furious that something like this has happened at Grovelands.

“The play area will now be out of action for a long time and what’s worse is these hooligans have been able to get into the park without a problem and cause a huge amount of damage.

“The council must now realise that leaving parks unlocked permanently will only lead to more senseless acts of vandalism taking place.”

Ertan Hurer, Conservative councillor for Winchmore Hill, said: “What kind of person would do this to a children’s play area? It is very lucky that this was on a damp evening because if this had been during the dry season this might have spread across the park.”

Cllr Chris Bond, cabinet member for environment, confirmed that the gates were locked at the time of the incident.

He said: “This is a despicable act which deprives young children of their playground and has caused a great deal of damage.

“The park gates were locked, and this vandalism conclusively proves that keeping the gates locked at night does not deter those who wish to cause anti-social behaviour in Enfield's lovely green parks.”