From this to this: Doncaster playground destroyed in blaze is cleared after fire

Arsonists are believed to have struck at the playground in the heart of Sandall Beat Woods in the early hours of Friday morning, reducing the play area’s central climbing tower to a charred shell.

The smoking ruins were discovered early on Friday morning by a shocked dog walker – and the wrecked structure has now been removed from the site.

A fundraising campaign has now been set up to restore the playground which is used by hundreds of children each week.

Upset locals and campaigners have instantly rallied with thousands of pounds rolling in in just a matter of hours after a crowdfunding campaign was set up.

A GoFundMe page has already raised more than £4,700 – and donations are continuing to pour in.

A spokesman for Friends of Sandall Beat Woods said: “We are absolutely devastated to report there was a serious incident at the woods and the main play equipment has burned down.

“It is clear from the messages of support that we are not the only ones upset by the loss of this equipment which was an amazing asset to our community, especially at a time when we have all come to value our outside spaces.

"This equipment was one of the few free places in Doncaster that was suitable for a broader age range of children too.

“Thank you for all your messages of support.”

You can donate to the campaign HERE