It is not yet clear when the Harleston's multi-use games area (MUGA) will be reopened after vandals attacked it with bottles, spreading shattered glass across the surface.

The MUGA has been sealed off since the crime at the Wilderness Lane site, which was only opened in 2013 at a cost of £80,000.

Redenhall with Harleston Town Council chairman Barry Woods said the incident was 'a shame'.

He said it happened the night a group of young people held a late-night party at a nearby shelter, which was also destroyed.

He said: 'We actually want to work with young people and we appreciate that it's only a few of them who are doing this and the vast majority are well behaved.

'Every time we end up repairing damage to play equipment it's all money that we otherwise could spend on the young.'

The MUGA is used for basketball as well as other sports.

Mr Woods said the council had worked with the manufacturer of the Tarmac to determine how best to clean the damage, and the process would involve pressure-washing the surface. Mr Woods said it was unclear when the MUGA would be reopened. He said: 'We want to have it opened again as soon as possible.'

Anyone who knows anything about the vandalism can report it to the police on 101, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or to the council directly on 01379 854519.