A community group has condemned a "cruel act of vandalism" following an attack on a £40,000 children's play park.

The playground, which is located behind the village hall on North Weald Common, was targeted by vandals last month in an attack which saw graffiti tags sprayed across equipment and glass placed at the top of the slide.

The playground, which includes swings, a climbing frame and a pole spin, was officially opened at an annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic in October following a years worth of fundraising by community group, North Weald Mums.

The group, who contributed £3,500 towards the new facility and received £36,500 in grants, said "words cannot convey the upset & anger".

Group Treasurer Jennie Russell said: "not only has the new playground had graffiti sprayed on it, someone has had the audacity to put glass into the top of the slide.

"Words just cannot convey the upset & anger we mums feel, as do many local families."