A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted being responsible for an arson attack at a play area.

The teenager went with his parents to the police station following the damage to a spinning seat and safety matting on Sunday evening at Darlington’s South Park.

Darlington Council estimates repairs could cost up to £2,000.

Members of the public tried to extinguish the fire themselves before calling the fire brigade.

In February this year police identified three 14-year-olds as being behind an arson attack which severely damaged play equipment at the site and they underwent a restorative justice programme aimed at making them see the error of their ways.

Police said the teenager had been referred to the town’s Youth Offending Team, which will decide on the appropriate action to take.

Inspector Chris Knox, from Darlington neighbourhood police team, said: “It is disappointing to see further damage to this play area and police will not tolerate this type of behaviour.

“We would like to thank the public who came forward with information following the incident, which helped us to identify the offender.

“He was extremely remorseful. He has never been in trouble with the police before and his parents are very disappointed in his actions.”

Insp Knox said it was the youth’s “first step” into the criminal justice system and if he continued to offend he would be charged accordingly.