East Devon District Council (EDDC) has slammed 'vandals' responsible for offensive graffiti in Exmouth's Phear Park.

The council say 'new damage, including profanities, is being discovered every day at a toilet block, by council officers.'

The authority is appealing to anyone with any information or descriptions of the vandals, particularly from first thing in the morning and late afternoon.

As of this week, the toilets will have reduced opening times (between 8.30am and 3pm) until further notice, to limit the chance of more damage being caused.

A spokesman for EDDC said: "The issue has been ongoing, on and off, for more than 18 months, with the issue intensifying in the last six months especially. This has racked up a bill of hundreds of pounds in repair costs, having to be paid with taxpayers’ money.

"Officers will now be working with partner agencies to identify any suspects."

As of this week, the toilets will have reduced opening times (between 8.30am and 3pm) until further notice, to limit the chance of more damage being caused.

Inspector Antonia Weeks, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “We are aware of the damage caused in the public toilets and the nature of the graffiti.

“We are working with the school to identify those responsible. If anyone has any further information about this matter please contact the police on 101 quoting ref 50240024031.”

Councillor Geoff Jung’s EDDC’s portfolio holder coast, country and environment, said: “This senseless vandalising of public property is costing the district council time and money to continually remove this graffiti and repair the damage which could be better spent on worthwhile projects elsewhere.

“Working with the police and others the council will endeavour to further investigate these very personal hurtful and bullying messages which must be stopped”.