A CHILDREN'S play area has been torched.

Firefighters were called to reports of a small fire off Longmynd Rise in Winsford shortly before 6.30pm last night.

On arrival the crew found that the fire involved rubber matting on a children's play area.

One hose reel jet was used to extinguish the flames.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "It is believed that this fire had been started deliberately."

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Cheshire Police are now investigating the arson attack.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting IML 967895.