Residents in Chatteris have been angered and children left upset after benches opposite Wenny Road skate park were found dismantled over the weekend.

It is believed that the new black benches were taken apart by a young person who arrived at the park with tools and then unscrewed the slats.

PC Dawn Rae said: “On talking to the skaters and riders on Sunday morning it has been established that a youth has arrived at the park with a set of tools and has taken it upon himself to unscrew the slats from the benches.

“This has upset a number of the youths as they now have nowhere to sit whilst watching each other.”

Chatteris town clerk Joanna Melton said it is “unfortunate” that young people are “attacking something that is there for them.

“This is the second incident of major vandalism we’ve had down there over the summer holidays: they destroyed the table tennis table as well.

“It’s in an area that is widely popular and is there for the young people.

“We are very anxious to get the CCTV up and running as soon as possible, to monitor the area.”

Writing on the Facebook page Policing March and Chatteris, she added: “We are appealing for any witnesses who saw the youth taking the slats off the bench to contact us on 101 and provide us with any information, stating ref CF0475000817.

“I understand that the youths take allen keys with them to the park incase they need to tighten their scooters but can I also ask all parents whose children use the skate park to stop them taking larger tools that they don’t need.

“This is the second piece of equipment that has been damaged recently in the park.”

The Facebook post has since been shared by a number of local residents who have taken to social media to share their views on the damage.

One person wrote: “Are you shocked by this behaviour? Because it’s no surprise to me or many other people in Chatteris.

“The police need to do more patrols - mornings, afternoons and evenings, and get a grip on this lovely town that is being ruined by certain youths.”

Another said: “I agree, we need more police patrols in this town. It’s terrible that all this destruction has been going on for so long without nothing being done about it.”