Vandals who damaged a bench in Udney Hall Gardens in Teddington have been slammed by Richmond Council.

On the weekend of March 30 and 31, the wooden bench was completely destroyed in what was described as "a meaningless act of anti-social behaviour."

The incident has been reported to the police, and residents are encouraged to speak to their local Safer Neighbourhood Team, should they have any information regarding the perpetrators.

The council’s park guard service will work with police to co-ordinate joint patrols in the area and to discourage any further anti-social activity.

Councillor Martin Elengorn, cabinet member for environment, planning and sustainability said: “It is hard to see why anyone would indulge in such mindless acts of vandalism in our parks.

“Thankfully incidents of vandalism like this are relatively rare in the borough. It is very disappointing to see this kind of behaviour in our parks which we as a Council, and therefore the local taxpayer, are now left to cover the cost of.

“The parks team work extremely hard all year round to create welcoming and attractive places for residents and visitors alike to relax in and bring their children to.

“Acts like this tarnish the local area and we would encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact the police.”