Children charged over playground damage

Police have arrested four boys aged between 11 and 12 for allegedly setting fire to a local playground in Port Hedland, causing more than $250,000 damage.

The boys were charged with aggravated burglary and wilful criminal damage after a string of alleged incidents, including a break-in at Dome, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Port Hedland police made the arrest on Monday night, with the group to front court at a later date.

Senior Sergeant Jason Gentili said it was a shame that the playground was damaged and what was even more disappointing was the public would now end up footing the bill.

He further urged local parents to be aware of where their children were at all times.

“Their excuse was they were trying to keep warm,” Sen. Sgt Gentili said.

“But what were these four kids doing wandering the streets at 4.30 in the morning?”