Vandals destroy trees and cause thousands of pounds worth of damage in Cardiff's Bute Park

Bins have been ripped from concrete, plants and planters wrecked as well as manhole covers broken. Credit: Cardiff Council

More than 50 trees have been destroyed and thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused in a "mindless" act of vandalism in Cardiff's Bute Park.

The damage, which is believed to have been caused on Thursday evening, saw bins ripped from concrete, plants and planters wrecked as well as manhole covers broken.

Bute Park, which once formed the grounds of Cardiff Castle has more than 130 acres of landscaped gardens, and is a popular spot for tourists and locals in the capital.

Councillor Peter Bradbury said he "fully condemns" the behaviour of the vandals and added officers are still assessing the park to see the full extent of the damage.

"Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been done all the way from Blackweir Bridge to Pettigrew Tearooms.

"I fully condemn this behaviour. It is not acceptable. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to deliberately destroy an area that is there for everyone to enjoy."

Secret Garden Cafe, which is located in the middle of the park and saw many of its facilities damaged described it as "heartbreaking".

Meanwhile, South Wales Police appealed for anyone who may have information about the incident to contact them. In a statement, they said, "We aware of the vandalism that took place in Bute Park last night."Such acts of mindless vandalism have awful consequences for the local community and will not be tolerated."