ARSONISTS targeted a storage area at a playground - just a month after it was vandalised.

Firefighters were called to the Richard Jefferies Adventure Playground on Eldene Drive, on Monday afternoon after a fire broke out.

The blaze was in a shed used by council workers to house their equipment.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said it had been caused by "malicious ignition".

Swindon Council play officer Natalie Bailey said: "Somebody has broken in and set fire to our storage area.

"Considering the playground was vandalised only last month it is really sad.

"I can't believe there are people out there who would do this sort of thing.

The gate to the playground was locked at 2.15pm on Monday afternoon when the fire broke out, and there was a padlock on the door to the shed.

Last month vandals daubed paint over the walls, grass, paths and swings in the play area, clocking up hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

The sandpit was filled with red paint. The shed was broken into and children's painting materials and toys were strewn across the whole playground.

Natalie and the rest of the staff had only just got the playground back to normal when they were told about the fire.

"It's just so sad and makes me feel sick. All that hard work was a waste. It looks a mess again," said Natalie.

Councillor for the area Andy Albinson (Con, Dorcan) said: "I can't believe something like this has happened again.

"It is a really horrible thing for someone to do.

"I just don't understand youngsters nowadays.

"This is a great facility that gives young people somewhere to go and play.

"Why anyone would find it fun to destroy it is beyond me."

The police have launched an arson investigation to try and find the culprits, but said it was still too soon to know any more details about what had happened.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the police on 0845 408 7000.