YOUTHS have been blasted for starting fires in an area of Chester's Countess Park which is used by schoolchildren.

Police were called to the country park yesterday afternoon (March 24) where they discovered damage had been caused in the area of the Forest School fire pit.

Upton ward councillor Jill Houlbrook described the actions as "selfish" and "contemptible" at a time when people should be staying indoors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Friends of Countess Park have urged people not to start fires or BBQs at the beauty spot.

Cheshire Police's official Upton Police social media accounts posted: "I have just come across this in the Countess Park after I had a report of youths setting fires in the location. #whereareyourchildren #selfdistancing."

Councillor Jill Houlbrook replied: "At a time when we are all trying to support each other and when people are fighting for their lives and our police are looking out for us – why would anyone be so utterly selfish, unkind and uncaring. It’s just contemptible."

Friends of Countess Park said: "The Forest School fire pit is a great resource to be used only under the appropriate supervision.

"Please do not light fires or BBQs in Countess Park."