A PLAY area targeted by vandals over the weekend is now back up and running.

Bolts securing the rope swing had been removed or tampered with at the Kirkleatham play park near Redcar, but council workmen have no got it back in full working order.

Sergeant Andy Dark, of Cleveland Police, posted images of the vandalism on the Redcar neighbourhood policing team's Facebook page to highlight the damage.

He said: "It appears that sometime between Friday, May 6 and Monday, May 9, someone has removed some securing bolts from one of the pieces of equipment. The dangers this sort of behaviour pose to the hundreds of young people who enjoy and use this facility regularly should be obvious to everyone."

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has now rectified the vandalised play equipment.

Cllr Helen McLuckie, cabinet member for neighbourhoods said: “The damage caused by vandalism was identified at the weekend and the rope swing was cordoned off. Parts were ordered on Monday and following receipt of these, the repairs were completed this morning (Wednesday).

“We are disappointed with the damage to the equipment, but thankfully the Kirkleatham play park does not have a history of being affected by vandalism and hope this is an isolated incident.

“We encourage anyone from the public who may have any information on the incident to contact the police.”

Anyone with information should contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.