Wooden statues at a picturesque coastal park have been vandalised and pushed into a canal.

Carved sculptures at Barton’s Point on Sheppey were seen pushed over on their sides and floating in the water by hobbyist photographer Elliott Barber.

The 20-year-old Sheerness resident said: “It’s a shame most of the statues at Barton’s Point have been pushed over.

“I was around there at 3pm yesterday (Friday) and noticed I couldn’t see the two statues I normally do when I’m on my daily walk.

“I went over and saw that a bird and man sculpture had been pushed over.

“The bird one, from the look of it, was broken and was in the canal, the other was just pushed over.”

In 2014 the sculptures were put in place for walkers and families to enjoy while on dedicated trail routes.

The chainsaw art was created thanks to a £5,000 grant from Ideas Test.

Canterbury-based Steve Andrews, who runs a wood sculpture firm called Tribal Animal, was the one working on the structures.

They include a woman sitting down overlooking the lake, which was designed by East Kent Mencap, a swan-themed bench, a man, a dog, a crab and a cormorant.

Oxfam volunteer Elliott added: “I do my walk around 3pm every day and noticed the statues vandalised straight away. I just thought it was a shame.

“I care about the Island so much so this is sad to see.”

Landowner Swale council has been contacted for comment.

This isn’t the first incident of vandalism on the Island.

Over the last year, vandals have burnt down the much-loved playground castle at the Beachfield’s sandpit, damaged parked cars owned by staff from nearby Wiggles Playgroup, thrown paint and glass in the outside paddling pool at Sheppey Leisure Complex and pulled plants from flower beds in Marine Town.

Further afield on the Island, yobs destroyed war memorials by the Minster Gatehouse Museum and set fire to seaside toilets.

Sheerness County Youth Centre boss Ray Featherstone, has been involved with youngsters on the Island since 1961.

The 79-year-old has seen it all, but says something has definitely gone seriously wrong of late.

He said to KentOnline previously: “Youth work is reducing and that’s because the volunteering sector is very poor at the moment.

“There isn’t anything for young people to do and because of that teenagers trying to have some fun suddenly start doing something illegal instead.”

A council spokesperson said: “We are deeply disappointed that individuals can be so selfish as to damage the sculptures that are intended for people to enjoy while on the trails at Barton’s Point.

“We will assess the damage and arrange the repair of the artworks.

“To ensure this doesn’t happen again, we urge anyone with information about this, or any other acts of vandalism, to inform the police.”