A children's playground has been churned up into a muddy mess by thoughtless motorbike riders using it as a racetrack.

Circular tyre tracks can be seen all around the play area at Dane Valley Road Park in Margate with swings and other play equipment caked with mud flicked up by the vehicles.

Mum Angie Mccarthy, who uses the park with her daughter, says it is infuriating for parents and disappointing for children.

"It's not going to kill kids to play in mud, but that's ok with wellies on," she said.

"We just planned to go to the park and my little one had clothes on she got for Christmas and new boots, she wasn't wearing clothes for playing in mud.

"I understand adults or even older teens have nowhere to go and nothing to entertain them, but there is nothing much for young kids either.

"This is our excuse of a park - there is not even a slide - and the few things that are there are being trashed by older people. It's just not fair."

Sergeant Paul Robson, of Thanet Community Safety Unit, said: "Kent Police takes anti-social behaviour, including the issue of nuisance vehicles, extremely seriously and we will look to take action whenever possible.

"Officers have powers under the Police Reform Act 2002 to seize nuisance vehicles if they are repeatedly found to be driven in an anti-social manner and I would urge anyone affected to report it to us through our website, by calling 101 or dialling 999 if a crime is in progress."

Thanet District Council's operational services team has been made aware of the situation.