Vandals ran amok at playing fields causing hundreds of pounds of damage.
A football changing room and toilet block was smashed and bowls club greens damaged in the attack.
Glass was also thrown over a children's play area.
The vandalism happened at the recreation area at Jubilee Way, Frinton.
Walton police Sgt John Scott described it as "just mindless". And he expressed amazement that no-one had spotted the vandals during their wrecking spree as it happened in broad daylight. The area is also overlooked by houses.
Sgt Scott added: "It just seems incredible. There must have been a noise screaming, shouting."
Richard Roffe, secretary of Frinton Bowls Club, described the damage as "horrendous".
He said it was not the first time the greens and club had been attacked. Last year, yobs with metal bars set about the greens.
Mr Roffe said the vandals had uprooted three heavy benches and thrown them across the greens damaging the turf and taps had been turned on which had flooded it.
A concrete step at the entrance to the clubhouse was also smashed.
Tendring Council spokesman Mike Page said: "Behaviour like this is reprehensible and we will certainly support any prosecution brought if the offenders are brought to book."
Sgt Scott said patrols in the area would be increased. He appealed for anyone who might have seen anything to contact them on 01255 851212.
Published Tuesday, June 3, 2003
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