FIREFIGHTERS have branded the actions of a group of young people ‘mindless stupidity’ after attending a park fire this evening.

Bentham fire station received a report of a fire in the trees at the playing field in the town, and, according to the station, on arrival firefighters saw some young people running away from the scene.

The team has now issued a stark warning to parents.

A spokesman from Bentham fire station said: “On arrival we found some young lads and lasses running away from the scene.

“We located a fire within the trees that could have become a lot worse if left unattended.

“Mindless stupidity like this takes fire appliances away from being available for emergencies. Incidents like this are avoidable.

“Speak with your teenagers regarding the dangers of starting fires within distance of flammable materials.”