FIREBUGS have completely destroyed a children's play area in a "reckless" act of vandalism last weekend.

The garden at the back of Glenview Nursery in Tullibody was set alight at around 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon, with flames seen billowing out across the town.

Extensive damage was caused, including the destruction of a playhouse and other kids' furniture.

The fire then "took effect" on a nearby property as well as some of the trees in the area.

Phone lines in the vicinity were also damaged, with investigators stating there could have had potentially-disastrous consequences had it not been reported so early.

A criminal inquiry has since been launched, and anyone with information regarding the offence has been asked to come forward.

Sergeant Donald Konkol, from Alloa Police Station, said: "This was a reckless act which has caused damage to the grounds and a neighbouring premises.

"It has meant that children who attend the nursery will lose the use of the facilities, and it is something which affects those in the community who make use of it.

"We would ask anyone who saw suspicious behaviour in the area around this time or has any other information which may be able to help with our enquiries is asked to get in touch as soon as possible."

Instances of deliberate fire-raising have been well-documented in Tullibody, with a handful of worrying incidents over the last few months.

In early November, a child's pram was totally destroyed after it was set alight on on a front door step of a house on Dovecot Road.

At around the same time, a Halloween decoration and a wicker hanging basket, attached to a property on Muirside Farm Cottage, were set on fire, with two wheelie bins at Lodge Ladywell going up in flames a day later.

It is also not the first time in recent memory that schools and nurseries have been targeted by vandals in Clacks.

In December, a plastic bench in Tillicoultry Primary School was set on fire, with the nearby nursery vandalised a few months before that.

And over the Easter weekend last year, St Serf's Primary School was repeated targeted by vandals.

A 14-year-old was later traced and charged for a series of offences at the school.

The level of vandalism in general has been a cause of ongoing concern for most communities.

Last month, police issued an appeal to curb the number of instances where damage is caused to property, but admit their warning has since been ignored.

And so last week, a renewed statement on the Forth Valley Police Facebook page read: "For whatever reason, this wanton behaviour appears to be continuing, with each and every incident coming at great expense to either the property owner, council or other local housing association, with the cost of damage running into thousands of pounds.

"This money could clearly be put to better use within our community.

"The majority of these crimes continue to be carried out by local youths throwing stones at...property and again Police Scotland would like to stress that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."

Anyone with information regarding any acts of vandalism is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.