ARSONISTS started a fire in a children’s play area in Callands in the early hours of this morning.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the park off Creswell Close, to the rear of the Callands Local Centre, shortly before 6.30am today, Sunday.

One fire engine was sent to the scene, with a quantity of wood having been set alight beneath play equipment.

Crews spent 20 minutes tackling the blaze, which is believed to have been started deliberately.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.