Children’s charity shocked as fire vandals attack Canning Town base

A Newham charity which spends its life caring for disadvantaged, vulnerable and disabled young people was hit by an arson attack last night.

The Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) base was attacked after the padlocks were broken off the gates at their headquarters at the Terence Brown Arc In The Park inside Hermit Road Recreation Ground in Canning Town.

One of the treehouses and surrounding wooden supports and part of a play area were then set on fire.

The charity has been hit by vandals and thieves before – including the theft of a trike used by disabled youngsters.

• Pictured: The latest damage caused by the vandal attack

The fire attack was discovered by the Arc’s manager Paula Blake when she visited the site this morning (Sunday).

AAA founder Kevin Jenkins said: “We are deeply disappointed and saddened to report that AAA are victims of yet another act of vandalism, with one of our treehouses burned to the ground last night. The fire officer told us that the locks of the gates had been broken off and the gates were left open.

“We are all extremely upset by what has happened and the resultant knock on effects this has on our vulnerable young people. ”

As a trustee of the charity I find this latest act sickening.  Anyone visiting this place can see in an instant the important work being carried out here to help those who need it most.

If you have any information about the attack please email kevin@theaaazone.com or  me at colin.grainger@btinternet.com