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Arson Suspected After Aberdeen Playground Goes Up In Flames

ABERDEEN, Md. (WJZ) -- A playground goes up in flames near Aberdeen Proving Ground. Investigators believe the fire was set on purpose, WJZ's Rick Ritter reports.

In the middle of a hot summer day, what's supposed to be filled with kids playing quickly turned into a raging fire.

"Horror and sadness. These kids, this is all they have," said Tanya Johnson.

The call came in around noon Thursday after the playground at Victory Street Park became engulfed in flames.

"It was a big circle and everything went to flames. It was horrible," said Mark Brown.

Brown's Daughter was one of the first to call 911.

"You could tell it was arson fire because it was in a circle, so it was going around," Brown said.

Most of the playground is now burnt to a crisp with the slides broken off and other pieces melted away. Witnesses say they saw a group of young kids run off as soon as the fire started.

"We're concerned now that we have individuals or an individual who set this fire, and we need to bring them to justice," said Sgt. Will Reiber, Aberdeen Police Department.

What's believed to be arson has left little guys like A'Shaun Williams crushed.

"I'm like why would someone do that? It's not right because people play on this," he said.

Now he has no place to play.

"Who in their right mind would do that? It's not right, it's just not," said Williams.

The investigation is now in the hands of the state fire marshal.

No one was injured. Damage is estimated between $80,000 to $100,000.

Police say the playground was recently rebuilt.

The city of Aberdeen is offering a $500 reward for anyone with information leading to an arrest.

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