Council leaders have condemned 'mindless' vandalism at a park – just weeks after it was refurbished.

Offenders ripped around a dozen safety mats out of the ground at the play area in Middleport Park, which were only installed at the beginning of July.

A previous attempt had been made to pull up the matting beneath the zip line on 22 July, and then on 28 July the mats were physically dug up and torn out.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council says it has also received reports of graffiti at the park.

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement, hit out at the vandalism, saying that the repairs would use up resources that could be used to improve neighbourhoods around Stoke-on-Trent.

He said: "This selfish and mindless behaviour is completely unacceptable. It damages facilities that are there for everyone to enjoy and shows a blatant disregard for the local community.

"Every pound spent repairing vandalism is money taken away from other parks, play areas and community facilities across the city. Taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for the reckless actions of a few individuals.

"We're investing in play areas across the city because every child deserves a safe, welcoming place to play. We won't let the actions of a few undermine that investment."

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Vandalism and other anti-social behaviour in Stoke-on-Trent can be reported to [email protected].