VISITORS to Accrington's Oakhill Park have spoken of their dismay after vandals set fire to the bandstand.

Fire crews from Accrington were called to the park in Manchester Road at 7.50pm on Thursday to tackle the fire, which had ripped through the timber frame, destroying half the wooden panels.

A spokesperson for Accrington fire service said it was believed youngsters were behind the attack.

He added: "We believe vandals broke off panels from the frame before setting light to them and throwing them back on to the bandstand."

The damage extends to the stage, side and front panels with reconstruction work needed to restore it to its former glory.

A parks spokesperson for Hyndburn Borough Council said: "Our first priority is to make sure the bandstand is structurally safe. Then we can assess whether it can be rebuilt."

He added that there was no park security for the bandstand, as it was a stand alone building, although houses in the grounds were alarmed.

Oakhill Park has also been the subject of vandalism attacks in the past. In March this year, 300 bottles were smashed and strewn all over the park and bricks were ripped off walls and used as missiles in a two-night spree of devastation.

The bandstand was a previous target. Several years ago vandals set fire to it in a similar attack. Extensive damage was caused to the base of the stand, with Hyndburn Borough Council carrying out reconstruction work to part of the stage.

An elderly man, walking his dog through the park yesterday, said he was saddened that the bandstand had been attacked in such a way.

He added: "It is ridiculous. I could not believe what had happened when I saw it.

"I was up here last night and saw a group of youngsters throwing fireworks at each other and at passing cars. There are always groups hanging around and I don't know what can be done to stop them."

Accrington mother Janet Leese, said she regularly brought her two young children to see the animals at the park and often found broken bottles on the paths.

She added: "The bandstand used to be lovely, but it has become an eyesore as it's covered in graffiti and now someone has set fire to it.

"In recent weeks there have been used fireworks all over the place. Gangs are coming here to throw them at each other."