'Senseless vandals' stealing life-saving rings

Life rings are being tampered with and taken from beach fronts

Lifesaving equipment is being tampered with or stolen along North Somerset's coast and waterways on a weekly basis.

Council bosses have warned lives are being put at risk by the "senseless vandals".

The life rings, which cost £50 to replace, are used as buoyancy aids to help keep people afloat if they have fallen into the water and are at risk of drowning.

Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's executive member for seafronts, parks and lakes, said: "Senseless vandals who recklessly tamper with life-saving rings are putting people at risk – and it could lead to lives being lost."

One life ring was retrieved from the shore close to Birnbeck Pier

"Sadly, it's becoming an increasingly common occurrence."

North Somerset Council says life rings have also been tampered with or removed from other locations, including at local fishing ponds in Worle.

Mr Solomon said: "Causing damage to such important equipment is unacceptable and shows a total disregard for the safety of the local community. It really must stop."