Vandals go on rampage at children's playground in Wolverhampton

They struck at Old Fallings Adventure Playground – smashing sensory equipment, doors and windows, and wrecking polytunnels and fruit beds in the grounds.

They also started a fire and smeared excrement over a wall.

It happened on Sunday and is the latest in a string of attacks on the site over the last three months.

Wolverhampton Council has now been forced to close the building due to the severity of the latest attack in order to assess the damage, and is now appealing for help in tracing those responsible.

The city's cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Val Gibson, said: "This was mindless vandalism at its very worst, which has wrecked a much-loved community facility used by children and young people, including those with a disability.

"Old Fallings Adventure Playground is a fantastic centre and for people to treat it this way is heart-breaking. The vandals have caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage, money that the council and the city's taxpayers can ill afford.

"The sensory rooms in particular have been trashed beyond recognition, with valuable equipment especially designed for use by young people with a disability totally destroyed.

"I'd urge anyone who has any information about this weekend's attack – or indeed any of the other incidents of vandalism this year – to please call police as soon as possible."

Leaflets will now be handed out in the local community and residents will be invited to show their support by helping with the recovery of the playground in the coming weeks.

Police have now launched an investigation into the vandalism.

Sgt Gavin Plumridge from Oxley, Bushbury and Low Hill neighbourhood policing team, said: "We are currently investigating five offences of vandalism reported at the Old Fallings Adventure Playground between 25 April and 27 June 2016 and are working closely together with staff in an attempt to prevent further incidents.

"Officers have provided forensic marking equipment to be used at the location which will help in identifying the people responsible. Officers have also been provided a key to the grounds which will allow them to patrol the area throughout the day and night.

"The team are determined to identify the offenders responsible and will take all possible steps to prevent further damage to this great community asset."

The playground is managed by the council and offers open access play for children aged between five and 12.

It also offers a base to a number of community organisations, sensory rooms and play experiences for disabled children and their families, and gardening experiences for families.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.