One of the world’s oldest rollercoasters, built in 1920 and located at Margate’s Dreamland amusement park in Kent, has been largely destroyed following an arson fire on 7 April.

The Grade-11 listed structure had not been running for two years and has been vulnerable to attack. About 60 firefighters and 12 fire engines attended and took two hours to control the blaze. The loss of the rollercoaster is considered to be a great loss by the residents of Margate as it was hoped to reopen the ride to boost local tourism.

Margate police and the fire service are appealing for witnesses to come forward.