A CHILDREN’s soft play centre will remain closed until further notice following a devastating fire which police are treating as arson.

The fire was started in Monkey Madness play centre in Pipps Hill, Basildon, last night and firefighters were at the scene at around 8.30pm to deal with the incident.

Essex Police has launched an investigation into the incident which is believed to have been started deliberately.

READ MORE >> Basildon soft play centre fire sees police launch investigation

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called to the site in Miles Gray Road at 8.40pm yesterday, Friday, April 28.

“The building was damaged after a fire was set and we are treating it as arson.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

“Please quote incident 1214 of April 28.

“Alternatively you can call us on 101 but always call 999 in an emergency or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by visiting their website or calling 0800 555 111.”

The centre has closed as a result of the incident.

A spokesman for Monkey Madness added: “Due to an incident behind Monkey Madness we've been affected by smoke damage.

“Unfortunately this does mean we will be closed until further notice.”