Cessnock McDonald’s: Four teenagers charged after fire ripped through and destroyed playground

Four teenagers, including a boy as young as 14, have been charged for allegedly lighting a fire that destroyed the playground at the Cessnock McDonald’s Restaurant. They’ll face children’s court in August.

Four teenagers have been charged over a fire at the Cessnock McDonald's July 19. Credit: NSW Fire and Rescue

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Four teenagers accused of lighting a fire at a Hunter Valley McDonald’s restaurant, that ripped through and destroyed the playground, have been charged.

NSW Fire and Rescue rushed to the fast food restaurant in Cessnock on Allandale Rd at around 3.30am Sunday, July 19, after reports a blaze had taken hold within the external playground area.

While it didn’t take firefighters long to douse the flames and contain the fire, the playground was completely destroyed and left a charred mess.

Four teenagers have been charged over a fire at the Cessnock McDonald's July 19. Credit: NSW Fire and Rescue

Four teenagers have been charged over a fire at the Cessnock McDonald's July 19. Credit: NSW Fire and Rescue

There was extensive damage to both the outside and inside of the fast food outlet, as well as water and smoke damage.

Following an investigation by Hunter Valley Police, four teenagers were arrested on Thursday.

At about 9am yesterday, police arrested a 15-year-old boy at a high school in Cessnock.

At about 2.40pm, officers then arrested a 14-year-old boy at another high school in Cessnock.

The playground and parts of the restaurant were fire damaged. Credit: NSW Fire and Rescue

Later that evening, two teenage girls – aged 16 and 17 – fronted Cessnock Police Station where they were both arrested.

All four have been charged with damage property by fire and were granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court in August.

Investigations continue.