FIREFIGHTERS were called to Coronation Park in Launceston after vandals set fire to a bench at the weekend.

One fire crew from Launceston was called to the park at around 7pm on Sunday.

Firefighters used two hosereels to extinguish the fire, which completely destroyed the bench. Arson is suspected and the incident has been reported to the police.

Dave Gordon, the chairman of Coronation Park Trust, which owns the bench, said someone could have been hurt: "It's disappointing, there is such a lovely space in Coronation Park, but there's a small minority of people who spoil it for everyone else.

"It happened during the day on Sunday when there are youngsters around; someone could have got hurt, but luckily they didn't.

"It's not an accident that's for sure. It's going to cost us, which is unfortunate and it's annoying for the people who use the park properly."

Mr Gordon said the bench would be replaced and the grass would regrow over time.

The bench is the second to be targeted by vandals in the last couple of weeks. Another nearby, owned by Cornwall Council, has been covered in graffiti.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.