Vandalism of wooden play equipment in a Norfolk park has been slammed as 'shameful' and 'a disgrace'.

A woodland character at Dereham's Hillcrest Avenue park was damaged with a saw on Thursday, June 20.

Antony Needham, Dereham Town Council (DTC) clerk, said: "Can all parents around Hillcrest check whether their saws were used last night.

"Vandals have started trying to saw pieces off play equipment at the pond park."

He added: "The council is investing £200,000 of public money for the benefit of children and young people - for vandalism to happen so soon is a disgrace. If it was you or one of your children, you should be ashamed.

"This is not only criminal damage, it is also a shameful crime against your neighbours, friends and the children who live near you.

"If anybody observed people with a saw near the play area last night please report it to the police."

Norfolk Police said they had received no reports so far.