COURTENAY Park, one of Newton Abbot's 'icons', has again been targeted by vandals.

Two trees have been attacked with knives. A picnic table had its top wrenched off, a terracotta gargoyle has been torn from the roof of the public toilets, plants have been uprooted and debris left scattered.

A photograph taken by a resident shows a hairspray can punctured by what may have been air-gun pellets.

Resident, Wendy Van Hildyck-Smith of Ford Park, said she found the punctured hairspray can among discarded drinks cans and food containers.

But police have dismissed the air-gun claim after the photograph was examined by a firearms officer.

Insp David Hammond of Newton Abbot police said they are taking the on-going vandalism problems seriously and that police are working closely with Teignbridge Council and Neighbourhood Watch to identify the perpetrators.

'The damage being caused is totally unacceptable and is causing distress to many people. We have been carrying out many patrols throughout the day and night to try and find out who is causing the damage.'

'I would appeal to anyone who has information to contact the police on 0845 2777444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Last month police appealed for witnesses after graffiti artists targeted the bowling club, the new sensory garden and bandstand.

In the most recent attack last week a 40-year walnut tree had an entire branch stripped of bark.

A Teignbridge council spokesman said that its condition would be monitored but that the damage was unlikely to kill it.

District and town councillor Ken Lewis said: 'Courtenay Park is one of the big icons of Newton Abbot. You get off the train and you see a lovely entrance to the town. Then you get idiots who just indulge in mindless vandalism. What impression does it give?'

In 2008, the council had to make last-minute repairs to the bandstand after its ornamental balustrade panels were ripped down a month before the start of the summer concert season.

Last year the council put £46,000 into the children's play area and shortly afterwards the park won a green flag award.

The Park was created by and named after William Courtenay, Earl of Devon in 1854, originally enclosed by iron railings and patrolled no doubt by a park attendant.

Mr Lewis said he saw no prospect of those days returning.

'I haven't really the faintest idea what we can do about it,' he said.