A CHILDREN’s soft play centre is set to re-open this week after a devastating suspected arson attack.

Monkey Madness in Pipps Hill, Basildon, was victim to a fire on Friday night at around 8:30pm.

The fire originally started in an alleyway behind the play centre but spread to Monkey Madness.

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Crews from Basildon, Wickford, Corringham and Chelmsford were at the scene quickly to stop the fire from spreading to the rest of the building and the building next door.

The soft play centre suffered damage to the rear of the building and inside the rear stock and boiler rooms, but most of the building was thankfully unaffected.

Monkey Madness bosses have since posted an update on social media confirming they will re-open tomorrow.

A spokesman said: “Just so everyone is aware we will be opening from this Thursday.

“We would like to thank everyone for their kind words, support, and patience.”

Essex fire say, outside there was a pile of old sofas and furniture which looked like they were waiting to be disposed of. This is where they believe the fire was started.

Essex Police is currently investigating the possibility that this fire could have been started deliberately.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “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.”