Appeal after forest hit by spate of vandalism

Manager Katy Harrison said staff were left "puzzled" about the motivation for the attacks

Repairs are being carried out at a popular forest in Devon after it was hit by a spate of vandalism, park bosses say.

Rangers at Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter, said several gates had been cut and signs torn down or damaged.

They said the incidents happened between 19 and 24 July.

Rangers said they had been "left puzzled" about the motivation for the attacks. Devon and Cornwall Police added it was investigating the vandalism.

Several gates around the site had been cut down and signs damaged, rangers said

Police said it was reported an unknown suspect had "damaged multiple signs" near the main road on 19 July.

Katy Harrison, the park manager, said they were "used to" dealing with vandalism but the extent of the latest attacks were "surprising".

"Signs have been damaged around our main entrance and in gateways, where we ask vehicles to keep emergency access clear," she said.

"Where gates have been attacked, there is no evidence of trespass, they seem to have been damaged for the sake of it."

'It's a shame'

Ms Harrison said it was concerning the vandalism appeared to have involved "sharp or heavy tools, and a lot of strength to punch through layers of wood and metal".

"It's a shame that these essential repairs will now divert our resources away from things that would benefit more people, like looking after walking and cycling trails," she said.

The park appealed for anyone with information about the attacks to contact police.