A Slide in a south Oxford park has been destroyed by arsonists -- just two weeks after the £3,500 play equipment was installed.

A swing seat was also damaged in the attack, which took place on the night of February 25.

Earlier this month, Oxford City council upgraded the play equipment at Bertie Place recreation ground following requests from residents.

Ian Sheppard, project officer for the council's parks department, said: "The annoying thing is it was what the local people wanted. It is so frustrating."

He said the slide had now been removed from the site for safety reasons.

City councillor for Hinksey Park, Rick Muir, said the damage was disappointing because the equipment was installed following meetings with the public.

He said: "It is just a real shame. It is a very low-income area and it is a place where consultation was done because it was highlighted in a council report as a place that needed support.

"It is bad enough that it is criminal damage, but it was something the community asked for and wanted and now it has been destroyed."

Jane Sherwood, lay pastor at nearby St Luke's Church, in Canning Crescent, said the church had been working with Bertie Place residents to encourage positive behaviour in the playground.

She said: "It is very sad. I think it is a sign that we need to put more resources into that area.

"It is a long-standing problem for parents with young children who are afraid to go there because of difficulties with older children."

Mr Muir said he hoped the council's central, south and west area committee would considering funding a new slide.

Anyone with any information about the arson attack should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.