POLICE are investigating a large fire which damaged parts of Redditch Skatepark.

The incident, at the Icknield Street Drive venue, took place last night around 6pm.

The fire was inside the spine ramp, the park's largest, causing structural damage making it unsafe to use.

Steve Rooke, from the skatepark, said the incident was extremely upsetting and not the first of its kind.

"A lot of volunteer time has gone into building and maintaining this ramp and the skatepark in general," he said.

"It's a great facility for young people in Redditch and beyond that includes visits from abroad. It's a huge park that stages events, ramp projects, graffiti art, where kids sometimes get to ride with their BMX and Skate heroes.

"Let's not let the few that have done this give the many who use and love this place a bad name who we know are upset about this too."

Police confirmed they are treating the incident as arson.

Mr Rooke added: "This is not the first time the skatepark has been targeted. An attempt to start a fire on Friday was also made, along with throwing rubbish around."

The skatepark will be closed until further notice.

Anyone with any information is being urged to call 101 and quote 640S-17102016.