A GANG of teenagers have been blasted as "mindless morons" by a senior Bury fire officer.

Leading fireman Gary Costin believes the group of ten 15 and 16 year olds set fire to plastic swings at Hoyles Park in Bury and then waited for the fire brigade to arrive.

The swings, two baby carriages, and safety matting were destroyed by the fire on Tuesday night (June 13).

Mr Costin told how the group also launched a torrent of abuse at firefighters as they ferried buckets of water to the isolated play area of Huntley Mount Road.

"I am totally disgusted by the behaviour of this group. Not only did they probably set fire to the swings, but they just sat there, hard faced, watching us deal with the matter.

"They are nothing but mindless morons with nothing better to do. They are rude, foul-mouthed and their parents should be ashamed. They are destroying other people's enjoyment."

Tuesday's arson attack comes as youths around the borough demand greater facilities to help ease their boredom. In response, Bury Council is to carry out a series of park improvements with a large amount of cash ear-marked for Hoyles Park. East Ward Councillor Mike Connolly has campaigned to provide areas for local youth but has added his own condemnation on the Hoyles Park fire bugs.

He said: "I am sickened by this attack and agree with the fire officer that the gang who did this are mindless morons. Bury is in desperate need of extra play facilities but this small minority of teenagers are not helping the cause.

"The money earmarked for Hoyles Park should be spent on improving the area, not repairing the damage caused by vandals."

Police in Bury are appealing for witnesses to come forward and identify the members of the gang.