Police are investigating after yobs vandalised an amphitheatre.

The outdoor stage, in Maidstone River Park, near the Archbishop’s Palace was targeted on Friday, with bricks and stones dislodged from the steps and seats.

The site was constructed as part of a £4.1million project to celebrate the millennium, and was funded by the National Lottery.

The amphitheatre has been used as a stage for numerous events since it was built by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) in 2000.

Known as the Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre, it has hosted events for AmpFest dance and drama workshops, activities to coincide with the Maidstone River Festival and other family events.

It has also been available for private hire.

In a statement the council said: “MBC was alerted and became aware of acts of vandalism caused to the Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre on the evening of April 21.”

It added: “MBC teams have already been deployed to assess and repair the damage in order to prepare the amphitheatre for a summer season of events run in conjunction with the Hazlitt Theatre.

“The council has a priority to make the borough of Maidstone Safe, Clean & Green and is working hard to ensure that residents and visitors can safely enjoy our public spaces.

“MBC is currently consulting with contractors and aims to repair the amphitheatre as soon as possible.”

The council also reported the incident to the police, who are investigating..

A force spokesman said: “Officers are appealing for information following a report of criminal damage at the open-air amphitheatre, situated near the Archbishop’s Palace.

“The incident happened between 5.45pm and 6.15pm on April 21, when it is reported three men, described as being white and in their 20s, caused damage to a brick wall.”

Anyone with information should call police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 21-1138 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.