A DIGGER, 'stolen' from a nearby construction site, has been used to vandalise a 'popular' skate park.

The Freespace skate park in Chandler's Ford is said to have been damaged at around midnight on Sunday. 

Eastleigh Borough Council said the vandals stole a digger from the nearby Village Hotel development before causing 'considerable damage and destruction'.

This comes after a car was dumped and burned at the same skate park in September. 

Police were called to the incident at 10.22am yesterday morning.

Chair of Eastleigh Local Area Committee Councillor Tina Campbell said: “This is an appalling and mindless act of vandalism that has ruined this popular skate park that will now have to remain closed for some time.

"It could also result in a significant repair bill for local taxpayers of between £50,000 to £100,000.  

"I would strongly urge anyone who witnessed or has any information about this incident to please contact the Police on 101 or contact the Council on 023 8068 8000.”

The Council has now closed the facility and the digger has been removed.

Work is now set to start on repairing and restoring the community skate park.

Police enquiries are currently ongoing.

A spokesperson said: "The digger is suspected to have been stolen from a construction site on Bournemouth Road.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44200452971."