Three youths were seen kicking down fencing of a children's play area before making off on two bikes, police say.

The fencing of the play park at Warre Rec, Ramsgate, was stripped and stolen, in a theft which the council has called "absolutely outrageous".

Police are now appealing for information after the fencing was first vandalised and then stolen.

A police spokesman said: "The wooden fencing surrounding the children’s play area at the Warre Recreation Ground in Newington Road was vandalised some time between 11.25pm and 11.32pm on Friday, January 26

"Three youths were seen kicking the fencing down before making off on two bicycles.

"The vandalised fence panels, which had been stacked into a pile for safety, were discovered stolen at 8am on Monday, January 29."

Cllr Fairbrass, deputy leader and cabinet member for community safety & environmental services, said: "It is incredibly disappointing to see that the fence has been stolen from the children's play area of a public park.

"As a council we are legally responsible for ensuring play areas are enclosed.

"The fence was only installed last May and was subsequently vandalised in July when we spent over £250 on materials and staff time to repair it.

"It is absolutely outrageous that we have now seen the area vandalised for a second time in 12 months.

"This isn't a victimless crime, it has a knock on effect.

"The money we'll spend to fix it, which is estimated to be £800, means funds will be diverted from other planned improvements.

"Unfortunately, this kind of activity takes place under the cover of darkness but we would ask all local residents to be vigilant and in the event of any such incident we'd urge people to report it to the police as soon as possible."

Sergeant James Ross from Thanet Community Safety Unit said: "This act of vandalism and subsequent theft has had a big impact on local families and we are keen to identify the offenders.

"We are working with partners to recover and replace the stolen fencing and ask anyone who witnessed the criminal damage or the theft – or who has information that could help our investigation – to contact us."

The council has now been left with an estimated bill of £800 to fix it.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting reference number ZY/4847/18.

It's not the first time the park has suffered vandalism, however.

Last summer, yobs ruined fencing at the play area shortly after it had been replaced by the council.