Police have branded a suspected arson attack as "completely unacceptable" after a fire destroyed a large area of grassland - and have urged parents to ask questions if their children have come home smelling of smoke. 

A fire is believed to have been set near Hartfields play area, in Hartlepool, on Friday evening (April 21). 

The horror blaze tore through grassland containing animal habitats and posed a "significant risk" to nearby properties.

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In the wake of the fire, officers from Cleveland Police urged parents to "take responsibility for their children's whereabouts and activities", and asked members of the public to be vigilant. 

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police and Hartlepool Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "A fire was reported near to Hartfields play area this evening prompting a response from police and fire brigade. The blaze spread quickly over a large area of grassland containing animal habitats. The fire also posed a significant risk to nearby properties.

"The deliberate setting of fires is completely unacceptable, and police are urging parents to take responsibility for their children’s whereabouts and activities.

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"Parents are encouraged to ask questions of their children if they have returned home this evening smelling of smoke."

The police also appealed for any information about the fire and urged anyone with relevant details to contact the police on 101, quoting incident number SE23075719.

The force also thanked the "vigilant members of the public who alerted authorities so quickly to ensure that this fire did not end up much worse".