There has been an angry reaction after vandals tried to set fire to a wooden sculpture at a popular tourist attraction before taking a saw to it.

Gladys the dragon has been a feature point at Milton Creek Country Park since it was created by chainsaw artist Steven Andrews during last year’s Art in the Park.

But within the last week someone has tried to destroy it.

Lynda Marshall, treasurer of the Milton Creek Trust, was made aware of the incident after someone emailed her pictures on Friday.

It drew a furious response from supporters after she posted photos of the damage on the friend’s Facebook page on Sunday afternoon.

Michael Riley wrote: “Words fail me. It makes me sick to my stomach.”

“Words fail me. It makes me sick to my stomach...” - Michael Riley

Barry Dormedy said: “What is the matter with people. This area is trying hard to give some community areas back. Why do the few always find it in themselves to spoil it for the many?”

Barbara Hatton added: “Wicked. It breaks my heart how someone could destroy such a nice work of art. Hope they catch the culprits.”

Mrs Marshall has reported the matter to the police. She said: “A lot of people were upset about it.

“It’s virtually gone viral. The post reached 4,858 people in less than 24 hours, usually it’s about 100. Some have commented and shared it.

“It’s brought us a lot more attention which is nice but not for the right reasons.

“It looks like someone has poured flammable liquid over it so it’s charred on the top. When I looked a bit closer I found a hole under the neck where the seat bit is.

“It seems that, having failed to do any real damage, they’ve then taken a saw to it because there was sawdust on top. Perhaps they were trying to take it as a trophy.

“We think we can repair it.

“I know people said at the time ‘I wonder how long it will be before it’s set fire to’, but when it’s been there a year you think it’s going to be OK.”

Police are investigating.

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 and quote the crime ref XY/10078/15