ARSONISTS put lives in danger by starting a fire which spread to an oil tank in a shed next to a children’s playground.

The culprits set fire to a conifer hedge in the Queen Street park in Treuddyn, which in turn sparked a blaze in a shed and an oil tank in a neighbouring garden, just yards from the park’s play area.

Treuddyn councillor Carolyn Thomas said: “The consequences if the oil tank had blown up would have been absolutely horrendous.

“These people need to be made aware of the consequences of their actions. They could have caused a huge explosion and killed themselves and everybody around.”

Police have now launched an appeal to find the arsonists.

PC Darren Jones said: “The fire spread and burnt a shed and also burnt a large oil tank, which meant this was a potentially dangerous situation.

“Fortunately the fire service responded rapidly and prevented the situation becoming more serious.”

The hedge, which separates the park from a private garden, and the oil tank were left charred following the blaze.

Cllr Thomas said it was the second fire in the park in two months and called for action to be taken.

She added: “Young people are hanging around building these fires. They just think it’s a bit of fun without realising the effect it could have on other people.

“They don’t realise the danger they could cause and that’s pretty scary. They need to be educated.”

Anyone with information on the fire, which was started between 6.30pm-6.45pm on Wednesday, March 24, should call PC Jones on 07896172064 or the North Wales Police non-emergency 101 number.