Arsonists have left a children’s play area in ruins for the third time in five months.

The damage at Groveland Park, in Southgate, will cost Enfield Borough Council around £30,000.

The arsonists set light to the basket swing and play area in the woodland area at around 8pm on February 26.

Two other attacks on the park cost a combined total of £30,000. Cabinet member for environment councillor Chris Bond said he is “appalled” by the latest attack.

He said: “It defies belief that anyone would be selfish enough to torch a playground and rob young children of the opportunity to play on the superb community facilities or stupid enough to set fire to a playground in a wood.

“We are appalled and upset that a small number of individuals seem intent on destroying facilities that are made available for the benefit of the community and I’d urge anyone who shares our disgust and outrage to contact the police so we can catch the idiots responsible.”

The local authority is considering increasing CCTV in the area to try and catch criminals.