Appeal after play park defaced with paint

Torridge District Council said parts of a play park in Bideford have been temporarily closed after equipment was defaced with paint

A large area of a play park in Devon has been temporarily closed after it was defaced with paint, the council has said.

Torridge District Council said it was contacted by members of the public about the vandalism at Victoria Park play area in Bideford.

Devon and Cornwall Police said CCTV was being reviewed and they are appealing for information.

The police said it was believed to have taken place overnight between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

Devon and Cornwall Police said masonry paint was poured down the slide and thrown at other playground equipment at Victoria Park in Bideford

The council said: "A large area of Victoria Park was defaced with Light Blue Masonry Paint.

"This included the Basket Swing, Spring See-Saw, Climbing Unit, Slide, and surrounding surfaces."

The authority said its grounds team and car park enforcement quickly attended and closed off the immediate area following reports.

It added: "We are working alongside our in-house Caretaker Team and 24/7 Drain Solutions to clean up this mess as quickly as possible to be able to reopen to the public at the earliest convenience.

Torridge District Council thanked the public for their understanding and on-going support

"Unfortunately, due to the extent of the vandalism and number of resources required, this will take multiple attempts until the clean-up is complete and the park ready for use again."

The council also thanked the public for their understanding and ongoing support with this issue.

Police said the council contacted police at about 11:00 GMT on 5 November reporting the paint was "poured down the slide and thrown at other playground equipment".

Police have asked anyone with information to get in touch.

The same park was targeted by vandals in September where a child found offensive graffiti.