Mystery holes have begun appearing at Barton's Point coastal park on the Isle of Sheppey.

At first sight it looks as if the Sheerness venue is being plagued by a family of moles.

Or the operators have begun to install a new pitch and putt course. But they deny it. A post on their Facebook page suggests the problem is down to rogue metal detectorists.

It says: "This is not acceptable. If it’s supposed to funny, it really isn’t. Someone could trip."

It goes on: "Metal detectors please take note: please do not practise your hobby at the park. Please stick to your garden or the beach where, incidentally, you can roam for miles, undisturbed."

In a warning it adds: "I will ensure these holes are filled immediately but in the meantime please be careful when walking around the area of the central car parking bay."

Regular visitor Paula Fagg said: "These holes have appeared all over Barton’s Point. It's a nightmare, not only for adults and children but for dogs chasing balls. The holes are also hidden in the long grass areas. You don’t see them until you fall into them."

The holes are perfectly round but only go down a few inches.

A spokeswoman for Swale council said: “We think the holes at Barton’s Point might be the result of people using metal detectors although it’s hard to know for sure.

"We advise people to be careful when using the park while we arrange to have them filled in.”