A footbridge in Pwllheli has been closed after it was targeted by arsonists.

Part of the boardwalk, which links Lôn Cob Bach and Pont Solomon, was set on fire deliberately between 8pm and 10pm last Wednesday evening (23rd October).

Police say the estimated cost of damage is between £5,000 and £10,000 and they're appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Cyngor Gwynedd said it has closed the path temporarily over concerns about the safety of the structure.

Gerwyn Jones, assistant head of the council's environment department, said: "This footbridge in Pwllheli is extremely popular with local residents and offers an opportunity to enjoy the environment and nature just a stone's throw from the town centre."

“Whilst there has been vandalism to part of the bridge over the years, following recent repair work, we have seen substantial use in recent times."

“It is therefore very concerning, that the structure has had to be closed temporarily after this fire, and it is really upsetting to see the damage that has been caused."

“In addition to the inconvenience of having to close the bridge temporarily, there will be significant costs to the council in order to repair the structure - at a time when funding is tight, this is an unnecessary expense. It is disappointing that the behaviour of a very small minority is ruining the enjoyment of the bridge for others."

"We urge those responsible to respect public property and to think about the impact of their behaviour on the local community, and anyone with information about the incident should contact North Wales Police.”

A North Wales Police spokesperson said: "Anyone who was in the area between those times, or anyone who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour close by are asked to contact police."

"Further to this, we are also appealing for anyone who was travelling in the area and has dashcam footage to contact officers."

Anyone with information should contact North Wales Police on 101 or use the live web chat, quoting reference no. 24000905845.