A FIRE set by 'youths' in a play area could have escalated into a serious blaze if it had not been spotted in time, police have said.

Thames Valley Police is investigating after a wooden cable drum was set alight in Long Hanborough, West Oxfordshire, last night.

A message issued by a police community support officer in Chipping Norton today described the fire as 'ASB' - antisocial behaviour.

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He added: "Yesterday early evening a wooden cable drum was set on fire in the play area by some youths.

"This could have been a major incident if it wasn’t put out as quick as it was."

It is not clear if the location the officer was referring to Hanborough Play Park, which was refurbished in late 2017. 

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Police tweeted an image of the fire and said they are requesting information about the incident, plus names and descriptions of anyone involved.

The force has asked anyone with information to call 101 quoting reference 1086 20/03/2019.