POLICE say they have identified the juvenile who set fire to a table and bench near the newly-opened splashpad at King George V playing field in Melksham yesterday.

The table and bench were completely destroyed and a nearby waste bin and part of the cricket pavilion was damaged during the blaze.

Two girls alerted the emergency services, who arrived quickly, and a boy with them managed to drag the table and bench away from the pavilion.

It is understood that police have identified the young arsonist from CCTV on the nearby cricket pavilion. The person responsible is believed to be a juvenile.

Sgt James Twyford, of Melksham Police, said: “We've seen the absolute best and worst of Melksham's youth tonight.

“As many of you will know, a bench was set alight at the newly-opened Splash Pad, which has caused a great deal of damage to the immediate area.

“The person responsible has been identified and will be dealt with. It is a juvenile, so we are limited in what we can publish, but rest assured that we are as frustrated as everyone else by this person's deliberate actions.

“At completely the other end of the scale; two girls were quick to react and call the fire brigade; whilst another boy managed to drag the burning bench away from the building.

“This selfless behaviour has doubtlessly saved the damage from being much worse.”

The attack was condemned by angry residents who have only just begun to use the playing fields again following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Former Melksham Town Council leader Vanessa Fiorelli said: “Can't even describe how saddened I am by this. A table has caught fire at KGV and done a fair bit of damage. Luckily no-one was hurt.”

The council says the splashpad will remain closed for up to three days following the incident. The café will reopen today.

A spokesman added: “The Town Council team have cleared up the arson damage from last night and made the area safe again.

“The cafe is open but the splashpad will be closed for around three days. This is because the water system needs to be completely flushed, cleaned and the water tested in a lab to make sure it is all safe before opening.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience but we cannot open until it is completely safe to do so.