ARSONISTS started a fire in a park in Whittle Hall last night.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Whittle Hall Park shortly after 9pm yesterday, Monday.

One fire engine attended the scene, with firefighters discovering a blaze involving a wheelie bin inside the play area.

Two youths were seen running away from the area in the direction of Barrow Hall Lane upon the crew’s arrival.

Cheshire Police believe the fire was started deliberately, and enquiries into the incident are ‘ongoing’.

A force spokesman said: “I want to reassure the local community that an investigation is underway to find those responsible.

“We are currently treating the fire as arson.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV footage that may show the two youths between the hours of 8.40pm and 9.20pm.

“Likewise, if you have CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation please get in touch.”

Firefighters spent around 20 minutes tackling the blaze.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML962269, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.