Police are stepping up their patrols in Hethersett after vandals destroyed goalposts.

Over the weekend, vandals crushed five of the five-a-side goalposts on Hethersett playing field by bending the frames.

The goals are left in place by Hethersett High School for locals to use when the school is closed.

As a result of the damage, the school is considering removing the goals and closing the fields when the school is not in session.

The school has estimated the replacement cost of the damaged goals to be in excess of £1,000.

John Catton, consultant headteacher, said: 'This is extremely disappointing and very unusual.

'The high school has an increasingly good relationship with the local community and we are surprised that this damage has taken place.

'We have reported it to the police and they have visited the site and will be stepping up their patrols.'

This is not the first time there has been damage to outdoor sports equipment on the school site.

Last summer the all-weather cricket wicket was damaged by vandals who held a barbecue on the wicket which melted the surface, costing £4,400 to replace.

Anyone with information should contact PC Glenn Hambling at Wymondham police station on the non-emergency number 101.