A SOUTHAMPTON community have told of their outrage as a children's play park was destroyed by a blaze.

Residents watched on in horror as the newly installed Daisy Dip playpark was engulfed by flames on Wednesday night.

Using his own fire extinguisher, a local man attempted to tackle the fire best he could before help from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service arrived.

Despite best efforts from locals and the emergency services, the castle-themed play park in Swaythling was destroyed.

VIDEO: The fire broke out overnight (credit: Sophie Cooke)

Sophie Cooke saw the smoke from Bluebell Road and was one of the first people on the scene. She was able to capture the videos of the fire as they waited for help.

She said: "I saw the black smoke from Bluebell Road at the other entrance to Daisy Dip it got progressively bigger.

"When we arrived we were the only ones there.

"A helpful neighbour soon followed with his own fire extinguisher put a large part of it out but it was back and bigger within two minutes."

The fire started some time after 10pm and emergency services were called at 10.29pm.

Firefighters from St Mary's were sent to the scene and they said it is believed the fire was started deliberately.

The park was part of Southampton City Council’s £1.2m investment to play areas and open spaces and opened to the public in March this year.

Friends of Daisy Dip Group were originally awarded £20,000 of funding from Pocket Parks which kickstarted the project.

Now, the park is destroyed.

Councillor Lorna Fielker visited the park this morning and said the sight was "gutting".

She told the Daily Echo: "It was gutting to visit the Dip this morning and see the deliberate destruction of the castle. I have spoken to people in our community today and seen their comments on social media.

"It is clear so many people feel the same way.

"This new play park has been really valued by kids and parents since opening, we need to make sure this the Castle is replaced.

"I have asked Southampton City Council to look to find funding for this and it has been wonderful to see so many people locally wanting to help raise money as well.

"The Friends of Daisy Dip Group, whose fundraising contributed a massive £20,000 to help get this play area built, will grateful for any support to help them raise money for this specific cause. Email futuredaisydip@gmail.com."

A spokesperson from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters from St Mary’s were sent to Bluebell Road, Swaythling, at 10.29pm last night after callers reported seeing black smoke coming from Daisy Dip.

"Crews found a fire in a children’s play area and used one hose reel to put it out.

"Police were informed as it is believed the fire had been started deliberately.

"Stop message [came in at] 11pm."