Arsonists have destroyed part of a children's playground in a mindless attack.

A train themed section of a children's play area was destroyed by fire in Queens Park in Brighton at about 5.20am this morning.

Fire crews from Preston Circus station attended the fire but could only cool down the heated plastic elements of the play equipment as the fire had already taken hold and severely damaged the apparatus.

It is believed the fire was started after rubbish and a traffic cone was piled onto the play area and then set alight.

A firefighter who attended the scene said there were a number of "drunk people" in the park at the time of their arrival but proving the identity of the culprit would be extremely difficult.