A popular playground set in a riverside beauty spot has been vandalised.

Equipment such as swings and a slide have been removed from the Esplanade, Rochester, as a safety measure.

Kristian Hansen from the conservation group Friends of Rochester Churchfields and Esplanade said: “It is unfortunately beyond repair.

“Medway Council has advised that it is currently unable to replace the junior multi-play unit due to budget constraints.

“However, the good news is that plans are moving forward to refurbish the entire play area, but this will take at least a year as Historic England and other stakeholders will need to be consulted on the design.

“We understand the new play area will be enlarged and the location may move slightly within the gardens.”

A Medway Council spokesman said: “We are incredibly disappointed that the junior multi-play unit at the park on Rochester Esplanade has had to be removed following suspected vandalism.

“We have reported the incident to Kent Police.

“We will be looking into options to replace the play equipment.”

Items were removed on Thursday, August 24.