AN APPEAL has been launched after a deliberate blaze damaged a tree.

North Wales Police is calling for information following an incident which occurred shortly before 8pm on Friday night near Deeside Leisure Centre in Chester Road West, Queensferry.

A spokesman for the force said the five square metre blaze involved a tyre which spread to and subsequently damaged a nearby tree, adding: "Deeside parents, do you know where your children were on Friday night?

"A tyre was set alight near to Deeside Leisure Centre and a group of youths were seen to run away from the scene.

"Such an irresponsible and cowardly act that caused damage and huge potential to have caused much more in this current climate of scorched dry shrubbery - do these children not watch the news?

"Any information leading to the identity of these youths would be much appreciated."

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed firefighters spent six minutes at the scene and used a hose reel jet to extinguish the flames.

Fire officers concluded the blaze had been started deliberately and a spokesman for the fire service stated it was 'believed to have been caused by children in the area.'

Anyone who has information can contact North Wales Police on 101 with reference: W105106.