A trail tunnel popular among Pokemon Go players has been destroyed by a fire. 

The tunnel at the children's play park in Daisy Dip was a PokeStop, a place where gamers collect virtual items such as eggs, potions and pokeballs.

The tunnel was only opened last month.

Residents suspect it was targeted by arsonists. 

Daily Echo: Trail Tunnel before it was destroyed by fire Trail Tunnel before it was destroyed by fire (Image: Zeo)

Steve Reis, who saw the fire from his home, said: "I was heading up early to bed around 8.50pm and was checking if my home's back door was locked. 

"And that's when I saw a fire in the park. 

"I saw the police and fire, and they were walking around with bright LED torches in the park.

"I am not sure if they were checking out the woodlands for those who committed the vandalism.

"The next morning, when I went to the park, I saw that the new trail tunnel was destroyed." 

The park in Swaythling first opened its gates to the community in February 2021. 

And only a few months after opening, it was heavily vandalised by two arson attacks. 

The blaze damaged the large tower climbing frame along with other equipment and the play area's surfacing.

Repairs and replacements are set to cost the council £90,000.

READ MORE: Council to spend £90,000 on Daisy Dip repairs

Cabinet member for housing and green environment, Cllr Lisa Mitchell, said: "It is really upsetting that Daisy Dip is being targeted once again with this type of anti-social behaviour. 

"Local residents are working hard with the council to make Daisy Dip a safe green space that people of all ages can enjoy, and this sort of behaviour will be really disheartening for the community. 

"This is why the labour-run council is installing CCTV in Daisy Dip before the new play area is installed in the summer months. 

"Hopefully, the presence of this CCTV will deter this type of behaviour and allow local residents to enjoy the dip to its fullest." 

Bassett ward councillor, Richard Blackman, added: "This is awful news. 

"Many families enjoy using the playground on Daisy Dip. 

"It's very demoralising for local residents; it's not only the loss of a valued facility but also that it feels like an attack on the whole community."

A spokesperson for Hampshire fire and rescue service said: "St Mary’s firefighters were called to Daisy Dip Park at half-eight on Saturday evening after a set of children’s play equipment was involved in a fire. 

"Multiple callers reported the incident to the HIWFRS Control Room before the small fire was extinguished with one hose reel."