POLICE are investigating an act of vandalism that has caused “irreplaceable damage” to a much-loved beauty spot.

Police say the vandalism at National Trust-owned Brimham Rocks, near Ripon have left the attraction in potentially dangerous condition.

At around 8.45pm last Friday, a group of five young people were seen pushing a rock at the top of one of the crags.

A spokesman for the force said: “This resulted in the rock falling from the crag causing damage to the crag face.

“The damage this has caused is irreplaceable and it is now in a potentially dangerous condition.”

He added: “The incident has not only caused considerable damage to both the rock and the crag face, but those responsible also put themselves in danger and have created a potential hazard for other visitors to Brimham Rocks.”

Anyone with information about the identity of those responsible for the incident is asked to contact police on 101.