Play equipment has been damaged and offensive graffiti scratched into a bench in Harleston.

The incident happened between Friday, August 15 and Monday, August 19, when suspects damaged a bench at the Recreation Ground in Wilderness Lane.

They removed screws and used a knife to scratch offensive graffiti at the top of the bench. A swing and wooden shelter was also damaged.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, August 17 at around 10.30pm a number of youths were seen to damage a scarecrow display in Malthouse Court, with items later found damaged a short distance away.

Police believe the incidents are linked and would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a group of youths acting suspiciously in the area.

Anyone with information should contact PCSO Chris Shelley at Harleston Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.