FIREFIGHTERS were called out to Barrow Park after vandals set a picnic table on fire.

Fire crews were dispatched to reports of a blaze in Barrow Park around 6.45pm on Monday evening after vandals deliberately set a bench alight.

Barrow Fire Station manager, Roger Exley, described the vandalism as 'very sad' and is urging people to report any forms of anti-social behaviour to the police.

He said: "It was about 6.45pm. We were called to the park via 999 and, on arrival, crews found it difficult to locate the fire.

"Once they found it, it was discovered to be a picnic table made from a tough plastic.

"It had been deliberately ignited by an unknown person."

Fire crews were unable to identify the person or group of people who deliberately started the fire.

Mr Exley said: "There were a large amount of youths in the area but we were unable to identify who had started it.

"We believe that some form of liquid, as an example lighter fluid, may have been used as it is a material that normally is difficult to light.

"This can't be proved of course."

Mr Exley said it is 'very sad' to see the park abused in this manner.

He said: "It's very sad as our park is a lovely place that is well looked after.

"We are urging people to report any sort of anti-social behaviour in the park immediately to Barrow Police or Crimestoppers.

"I use the park a lot and have seen a lot of discarded alcohol bottles and cans in the area - it's very sad.

"We are hoping someone comes forward."