Alton Town Council is appealing for information after criminal damage at one of the town’s most popular beauty and wildlife spots.

A lifebelt was destroyed in a fire and bins were damaged at King’s Pond on Friday night, shocking residents over the weekend.

A shopping trolley was also thrown into the pond at around the same time.

Town Clerk Tom Horwood said: “Setting fire to a lifebelt is a dangerous and selfish act that could attract a fine of £5,000 and a prison sentence.

“The crime has been reported to Hampshire Police and anyone with any information should contact the police or the town council.

“A shopping trolley was thrown into the pond at about the same time, so someone may have seen a person with a trolley near King’s Pond on Friday night with information that could identify whoever torched the lifebelt.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Police.