A historic turnstile in Crystal Palace Park was destroyed by fire on Friday night.

The suspected act of arson is believed to have taken place at around midnight, part of an apparent spree of anti-social behaviour.

The run-down building, formerly used when the stadium hosted large events, was left blackened beyond recognition.

A spokesperson for the Fire Brigade said: “Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a leisure centre fire on Thicket Road in Crystal Palace Park.

“The whole of the single storey building was destroyed by the blaze.

“The Brigade was called at 0051 and the fire was under control by 0136. Fire crews from Beckenham, Forest Hill and West Norwood fire stations were at the scene.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”

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Information signs in the park were also daubed with graffiti on the same evening.

One park user said: “It needed rebuilding, last time I walked through that it looked like it was on the point of collapse with bits of ceiling hanging down, just left on the ground to trip over.

“If it doesn't look cared for this is the sort of thing that happens.

“The whole area is an eyesore, pity it'll take vandalism to get it repaired, if it ever gets repaired at all.”