A CHILDREN'S play park and a playing field in Bridport have been sabotaged with strategically-placed broken glass in an attack that has been called 'disturbing' and 'sickening'.

The glass has been found in multiple areas across Plottingham and St Mary’s playing field.

Resident Richard Percy reported how he and his wife found a broken-in-half glass bottle sticking out of the grass which had mud placed in the centre of it, suggesting that it was trying to be hidden.

Mr Percy also described how a grass bank located next to the play park at Plottingham had multiple shards of glass placed in it – the surrounding area was also sabotaged.

Mr Percy said: “My wife first noticed the glass whilst walking the dog last week. She collected a full plastic bag's worth with about five or six bottles. It’s like someone had a crate then decided to break the bottles and place them around the park.

“It’s left us feeling pretty unsure about walking our dog there, and the effect it could have on our children and the parents that use it every day."

Furthermore, glass had been found along paths, by dog bins and in and around the goals at St Mary’s playing field – although not all glass seems to have been placed in a sinister manner, with some better described as 'careless littering'.

Residents and users of the parks cleared the area since learning of the worrying issue.

Mr Percy added: “It is an area of much human traffic. The problem is, we can’t be vigilant enough and that is where the uncertainty lies.”

Bridport Town Council and Dorset Police have both been made aware of the issue and the council are urging locals to report any suspicious findings.

Town Clerk Will Austin said: “We are aware of these disturbing reports and have carried out an inspection at St Mary’s and at Plottingham.

“This didn’t highlight any problems with deliberately placed broken glass, although that might have been because our wonderfully community-minded residents had been out clearing away the danger at the weekend, for which we’re really grateful.

“The idea that anyone would put people and animals at risk in this way is sickening and we would of course want to identify the culprit so that they can be brought to justice.

“I would encourage anyone with information to contact both the police and the town council.

“It would also help if people could pinpoint the exact location when letting us know about such dangers, with photos if possible.”

Dorset Police were contacted for a comment and a spokesperson said: “We received a report at 12.57pm on Wednesday 9 February 2022 that glass had been found in the ground at Plottingham playing fields and St Mary's playing fields in Bridport.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have been made aware and advice was given to the informant to alert the local authority.”

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