Police appeal after arsonists attack village skate park

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at the skating site on Grantham Road at Bottesford.

Firefighters were deployed to the scene to get the flames under control and make the area safe.

Officers say part of the ramps was destroyed and the remainder has now been removed to prevent further damage.

PCSO Claire Gray, of Melton Police’s rural north team, posted on the force’s Facebook page: “Fires started deliberately during these drought conditions are particularly dangerous.

“What may begin as a small fire can quickly spread uncontrollably, putting members of the public, wildlife, community assets and emergency service personnel at risk.

“Fortunately, with a prompt call to the fire service and their swift response, firefighters prevented the incident from escalating further.”

The blaze was reported to Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service at 8.38pm.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen people going to or from the skate park, particularly between 7.45pm and 8.30pm, or who has any information that could assist with the investigation.

The incident comes just five weeks after a community day was held at the wooden skate park, which has been used in the village since 2003 but is now ageing and need of upgrading.

A Bottesford Skatepark Working Group has been formed and is working with Bottesford Parish Council to raise money and gather views on what a new, modern skatepark should look like.

Jess Wroblewski, of the working group, told the Melton Times: “We are devastated by the recent arson attack at the skatepark; particularly as it means the last remaining ramps will now be removed, leaving the space empty.

"This is why it’s so important to push forward with the project and provide our community with a safe, welcoming place where they can freely express themselves and feel a sense of pride.

"To support active lifestyles and build confidence, creativity, resilience, friendships and fun through wheeled sports."

She added: “Bottesford skatepark has been a much-loved community space for more than two decades.

“We recently conducted a survey and hosted a community day at the skatepark and 100 per cent of participants said that they want to see regeneration of the skatepark.

"Our aim is therefore to build a modern, concrete skatepark, incorporating green spaces, to create a lasting community space which will encourage inclusion, multi-generational interactions as well as peer support and mentoring, and the opportunity to learn new skills.

“Our biggest hurdle will be securing sufficient funding for the project.

"We are proud to be working with Skate Nottingham who are currently helping us with sourcing local and national funding streams but unfortunately there are not many streams accessible to us and so we would welcome any pledges or donations towards our project.

“Anyone can get involved in the project, whether that be fundraising, joining our working group, using their contacts to bring in much needed resources or simply supporting us on social media.”

Call police on 101, quoting crime reference 26*476274 or go to https://leicspolice.link/zsNBg to report any information.