A popular children's play area has been closed after equipment was badly damaged by a fire.

The children's play area at Normanston Park in Lowestoft remained cordoned off on Saturday afternoon after the blaze.

Firefighters had spent 15 minutes tackling the blaze in the play area of the popular park at 3.51am on Saturday, March 6.

A crew from Lowestoft South Fire Station responded in the early hours following reports of a fire in Normanston Park, Lowestoft.

They were called to the park off Normanston Drive and a brigade spokesman said: "Blue Watch from Lowestoft South Fire Station attended a fire during the night at Normanston Park in north Lowestoft.

Lowestoft Journal: The cordoned off children's play area at Normanston Park in Lowestoft, with the charred remains of the equipment. Picture: Mick HowesThe cordoned off children's play area at Normanston Park in Lowestoft, with the charred remains of the equipment. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Children's play park equipment affected by fire, extinguished with one hose reel."

The flames were quickly put out and the scene was cleared by 4.06am.

Police and the council were subsequently informed.

Lowestoft Journal: The children's play area at Normanston Park in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe children's play area at Normanston Park in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The Lowestoft Town Council-run play area was closed on Saturday, with tape cordoning off the entrance.

Charred remains showed where the blaze had damaged the play equipment, with children unable to access the popular play area.

Lowestoft Journal: The Normanston Park sign. Picture: Mick HowesThe Normanston Park sign. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

On Saturday afternoon, a mum visiting Normanston Park with her children said it was "awful" to see the equipment damaged and the play area out of use.

One parent said her children "love going to that play park" while others described it as "selfish" and "so sad".