THE entire town of Moree is shocked after a much-loved landmark was destroyed by fire late Wednesday afternoon.

Kirkby Park’s iconic Rocket was set alight in an alleged act of arson.

Firefighters and police were quickly on the scene, but could not save the structure.

Frome Street was temporarily closed to traffic as the blaze was brought under control.

Moree Plains Shire Council staff helped clear the area and cordoned off the damaged framework, with security fencing erected Thursday morning.

Moree Police Inspector Dwayne De Vries said a group of children were seen in the area Wednesday afternoon a few minutes before the blaze took hold.

“This is a terrible crime at a central meeting point in Moree for many local children and families,” Inspector De Vries said.

“We understand a group of youths, believed to be aged between eight and 12, were seen leaving the area shortly before a small fire broke out within the playground structure.

“At this stage, it’s unclear what fuel or accelerant may have been used, but investigations are continuing.”

Inspector De Vries urged anyone with information to contact Moree Police Station on 6757 0799 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

“We also encourage any parents with concerns about their children’s recent activities to get in touch. Moree has a range of youth engagement programs currently running, and we can help families connect with the support available,” he said.

Kirkby Park’s iconic Rocket was razed in an alleged act of arson late Wednesday afternoon.

The original “rocket”, which still stands in Kirkby Park as a monument, was built in 1972 – three years after Neil Armstrong walked on the moon – to commemorate the Centenary of Education.

The play equipment was funded with money raised at a Centenary of Education Ball held in Moree.

The Big Rocket, standing nearly 15 metres, was launched in 2009 by astronomer Fred Watson to coincide with the International Year of Astronomy and the 40th anniversary of the moon landing.

The same year, Kirkby Park was voted one of the top ten parks to visit in New South Wales.

The landmark towered over play equipment and a space-themed command centre – now it’s a charred steel frame surrounded by security fencing and crime scene tape.

Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse, said an entire town is shocked.

“We are all devastated by the loss of our iconic rocket, a beloved landmark which over the years has brought much joy to our community and our visitors – my own family and extended family included,” Cr Pearse said.

“I’m sure everyone in our shire would have a fond memory of a time at the ‘Rocket Park’, so this loss hits especially hard.

“Unfortunately, Kirkby Park for some time has been Council’s most vandalised park. Yesterday’s events however took this to a new, devastating level.

“Council will work with police as an investigation is undertaken and we encourage anyone with information to get in contact with Crime Stoppers,” she said.

“The rocket is insured, which we know is only a small comfort. The impact of this loss is more than dollars and cents.

“Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. We continue to face challenges with vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

“This kind of damage affects everyone – it drains public resources, undermines community morale and takes away from spaces which should be safe and welcoming for all,” she said.

“Our team, however, is already proactively looking at what comes next. Our community deserves a quality park and play space in the CBD and we are looking at all options in terms of what that might look like.

“With community input, we will ensure our shire receives the welcoming, family friendly centrepiece it rightly deserves,” Cr Pearse said.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Information is managed on a confidential basis.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.