UPDATE
A 14-year-old Wyndham Vale boy has been charged in relation to a playground fire which destroyed a swing specially designed for wheelchair-bound children last week.
Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested and interviewed the boy in relation to a fire which occurred about 10pm at Woodville Park in Hoppers Crossing last Friday.
The boy has been charged with criminal damage by fire and will appear at a Children’s Court in June.
A 13-year-old Hoppers Crossing boy earlier faced questioning in relation to the fire and was released pending further enquires and the investigation continues.
Police believe wooden palings were pulled off other playground equipment and stacked under the swing before being set alight, bon-fire style.
By the time firefighters got to the scene about 10am, the fire had already destroyed the swing – which is valued at $30,000 – and the offenders had fled.
Detective Senior Constable Gary Watson from Wyndham CIU said it was heartbreaking to see such damage to an important piece of play equipment.
Anyone with any information on the attack can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
