Vandals smashed and destroyed a fence and dumped glass in a Brentwood play area and skatepark last week

The damage was caused overnight between Wednesday and Thursday in Ingrave Road and included glass dumped in the play area and skatepark; graffiti sprayed; a fence smashed and burnt and signs ripped down and damaged.

The damage has come a week after skatepark supporters started a campaign to raise �10,000 by the end of this year to ensure the new facility will be open in the spring. Brentwood councillors have pledged to donate money to help, and have been urging people to support the campaign too.

Cllr Mark Reed, chair of the retail, community and culture panel for Brentwood Council and one of the councillors who pledged a donation, said: “I’m really angry that such a great community facility has been damaged. And I’m really sad that the selfish behaviour of some will have an impact on many - like those young skateboarders who use the park everyday.

“There was a lot damage caused and someone must have heard something. If you know anything about what happened, please let the police know straightaway - don’t let them get away with it.”

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101.