VANDALS targeted a children’s play area run by an animal charity.

The play equipment at the Langdon Hills Essex Wildlife Trust site, 3rd Avenue, Lower Dunton Road, Langdon Hills, was vandalised late on Sunday night.

A children’s bridge was dismantled and the charity took the difficult decision to close the bridge until it was fixed.

Centre bosses spoke of their disappointment after the damage.

Rachael Street, 27, assistant centre manager, said it took several hours to fix the broken bridge, which was installed for children to enjoy.

She said: “We don’t know why they do this, but we do have it regularly.

“The play area is open to the public at all times, which is a good thing.

“But it can mean we get kids and youths hanging about and causing trouble.

“It is a real concern as it means we have to close the play area partly or fully until works are complete.

“It also takes time away from our rangers who have so much do to without this.

“We find this really upsetting that someone would do this.”

The charity took to Facebook on Monday to share the news.

At the time a spokesman for the centre stated: “Unfortunately due to vandalism we have had to cordon off the wobble bridge in the play area.

“Please do not use it at this time, we apologise for the inconvenience and endeavour to get it fixed as soon as possible.”

Workers also shared pictures of the vandalised bridge.

Angry residents and families who use the play equipment slammed the vandals.

Rosemary Head said: “Why are these youngsters depriving the young ones of enjoying themselves, for goodness grow up and be a bit civilised.

“Obviously different type of person frequents in the evening when its closed compared to the lovely people who visit during the day.”

Jackie Smith said: “So glad it’s fixed, my children love this. Makes me so angry that there are such silly people out there doing all this for fun.”

Anne-Marie Baker said: “Oh no it was fine yesterday.

“Does this and other things happen in the night time when its closed?”

The centre has a nature reserve of 461 acres of woodland, meadows and lakes. The trusts educates about and protects wildlife.