POLICE investigating a fire which destroyed an abandoned caravan have warned parents their children could be toying with death by playing with fire.

Stratford police believe youngsters were responsible for setting fire to the caravan in a field off Bishopton Lane, Stratford, during the morning of last Saturday.

Stratford firefighters, who tackled the blaze, found a gas cylinder under the caravan, which has prompted police to issue a warning about the dangers of playing with matches.

Inspector Charlie Butler said the blaze could have had tragic consequences had the fire reached the cylinder.

He said: "This was an uninhabited caravan which had been left in the field for some months by some travellers who had been in the field.

"However, placed under the caravan was a gas cylinder and there could've been quite a nasty explosion if the fire had got to it.

"I would like to take this opportunity to warn parents of the possible consequences of these actions which could result in serious injury or even worse."

Anyone with information about the fire should contact Stratford police on 01789 414111.