Parents in England are on high alert after frightening images of a playground made the rounds on social media. It appears someone intentionally glued nails onto swings and slides with the intention of hurting children. Thankfully, the nails were discovered before anyone was injured, but locals are left wondering why anyone would do something so dangerous.
The nails were found at a play area in an Oxfordshire village near a Church of England primary school and a nursery, according to the Daily Mail. Although they have since been removed, police are urging parents to stay vigilant and thoroughly check out any playground equipment before use.
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The nails reportedly appeared overnight.
Thames Valley Police were notified about the nails at a playground in Marcham, which is about five miles from Oxford, the Daily Mail reported. Police believe the nails were glued to the equipment overnight from May 12 to May 13. The incident sparked outrage among parents, who reportedly shared photos of the playground on social media sites such as WhatsApp.
The incident was shocking.
The Daily Mail spoke with an unnamed city clerk who was appalled at the thought of wanting to intentionally hurt children.
"We are shocked and horrified by the incident," the clerk said. "It is beyond comprehension that anyone would sabotage a play space like that, but thankfully, no children were injured."
The nails appeared to be intentionally placed on the equipment.
The clerk told the Daily Mail the nails were adhered with an adhesive-like super glue but were removed.
"The nails were found on toddlers' swings, too, as well as a slide and a rotating platform," she said.
Thankfully, the clerk said no children were injured, and the equipment was not destroyed. "There's been no damage to the equipment, and the area is safe," she confirmed to the news outlet.
Police are investigating the incident.
At this point, it doesn't appear that police have any suspects in the case. The clerk told the Daily Mail that the playgrounds remain open but said parents need to keep an eye on their children.
"Notices have been put on the play area gates to advise parents to be vigilant just in case it reoccurs, but the play area is still open," she said.
"Should this reoccur, then it might have to be closed, but we are keeping a close eye on things, and the area is being checked several times a day."
Anyone with any information should contact Thames Valley Police.
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City leaders want parents to remain calm.
Some say there is undue panic because of social media images. Brilliant Play Solutions CIC posted this message on Facebook from Parks Service Manager Yvonne Feehan regarding the playground vandalism.
“I wanted to make you aware that you may receive enquires from concerned parents and residents that Richmond’s play areas are being targeted by a group gluing nails to play equipment include swing seats and slides (references being made to Bushy Park and Hampton). Please be assured that there has been no evidence found to support this rumour in any of our playgrounds. The photos being circulated are from an article in the Daily Mail regarding an incident in Oxfordshire. We are liaising with the police and AfC on this matter as well as all Parks Heads of Services across London with the message to be vigilant.”
