A play area has been stripped of most of its fencing after being targeted by "selfish" thieves.

The children's play park in Warre Rec, Ramsgate, has been left with just a few posts.

Thanet council say it is "absolutely outrageous" and will cost around £800 to replace.

It's not the first time the park has suffered vandalism. Last summer, yobs ruined fencing at the play area shortly after it had been replaced by the council.

Cllr Fairbrass, deputy leader and cabinet member for community safety & environmental services, said: "It is incredibly disappointing to see that the fence has been stolen from the children's play area of a public park.

"As a council we are legally responsible for ensuring play areas are enclosed.

"The fence was only installed last May and was subsequently vandalised in July when we spent over £250 on materials and staff time to repair it.

"It is absolutely outrageous that we have now seen the area vandalised for a second time in 12 months.

"This isn't a victimless crime, it has a knock on effect.

"The money we'll spend to fix it, which is estimated to be £800, means funds will be diverted from other planned improvements.

"Unfortunately, this kind of activity takes place under the cover of darkness but we would ask all local residents to be vigilant and in the event of any such incident we'd urge people to report it to the police as soon as possible."

Thanet dad David Copeland took his son Ollie, aged two, to the park yesterday morning and says he "was shocked to find it all [the fencing] missing".

He said: "I immediately took a photo and posted it online because I wasn't sure if the council had removed it for repairs or something but I didn't think that would be the case. I was pretty sure somebody had nicked it."

Mr Copeland slammed the vandals for their "selfish" act which he says endangered his son, adding: "Several times whilst in the park my little boy tried to run out of the broken fencing and could have made it into the car park where all the cars were.

"Lucky I was on the ball and grabbed him in time.

"I thought this is bad and very dangerous and not safe for the little ones and I think it's a disgrace that some lowlife has stolen it for their self gain.

"They have now put little children at risk because of their selfishness.

"I hope Thanet council will repair this as one person's selfish actions affect the whole community."

Police have been contacted for more information.