A council has been forced to close a community book box after the books were used to start fires in a park near a secondary school. 

Thorpe St Andrew Town Council made the decision to close the book share outside the Town Hall after a third fire was started in Fitzmaurice Park involving books.

Last Monday, parks and estates officers found scorched kindling and a recipe book in the park which is close to Thorpe St Andrew Sixth Form and other residential properties.

Remnants of one of the fires started in the parkRemnants of one of the fires started in the park (Image: Thorpe St Andrew Town Council) Following the discovery, they urged parents to remind their children that the "dangerous and irresponsible" activity could quickly escalate into something out of control.

They asked anyone who had information to report it to the police immediately.

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Now, the council has asked people to refrain from leaving any books until further notice. 

A spokesman for the council said: "With deep regret, following the third fire started on Fitzmaurice Park using books as an accelerant, we have taken the decision to close the book box outside the Town Hall.

The book box is located outside the town hallThe book box is located outside the Town Hall (Image: Thorpe St Andrew Town Council) "This is a prime example of a small minority spoiling things for the majority, but unfortunately we cannot risk inadvertently aiding this dangerous and irresponsible behaviour.

"We hope to reopen the book box in due course, and will be publicising details for our next book sale in the coming weeks."