Troublesome youths are suspected of wrecking a landmark at a centuries-old green space in an act of "mindless violence".

Dane John Gardens in Canterbury was targeted by vandals this week, with three ornamental railings from the park's bandstand smashed to the ground.

A resident who spoke to KentOnline on the condition of anonymity out of fear for his safety, says he heard a loud crashing sound in the gardens when walking back from the shops.

"This is one of the worse incidents of vandalism I’ve seen in recent years - it’s got to be several thousand pounds worth of damage," he said.

"There were 20-odd kids on the bandstand - if it’s the usual gang, they would be anything from 14 to 18 years old.

"These kids have no sense of communal responsibility towards the park; for them it’s just a place for them to smoke dope and hide away from home.

"It’s a hangout area and I don’t object to that, but I don’t like people feeling unsafe when they walk in the park at night."

City councillor Derek Maslin agrees that crimes like this contribute to anxiety among people who live nearby.

"It's just mindless violence," said the Liberal Democrat.

"I'm appalled that this kind of thing goes on and I just don’t understand the mindset of the people who do this kind of thing.

"And think it has got worse, and I think it’s because services like police are overstretched.

"The residents who live there must despair. I think it raises concerns about safety.

"Generally there is the perception that Dane John is dangerous."

A KentOnline investigation earlier this year revealed that almost 100 crimes were reported in the historic gardens between 2020 and 2021, including assaults, rapes and robberies.

Cllr Micheal Dixey says the area has long been a magnet for disengaged youths but that there is hope the situation may improve.

"I would say things have definitely got better since they started locking the garden gates on weekend nights," said the Liberal Democrat.

"The council is installing additional CCTV cameras and more lighting, which should also help.

"The cameras aren't going to be a magic bullet, but I'm hoping once they are operational it will deter people.

"But I don’t think there is any police presence, they’ll claim lack of resources, but there is more police could do."

Chief insp Mark Hedges says his team has launched an investigation into the reported criminal damage.

He also stresses the "gardens are part of our officers' regular beat" and that patrols work closely with the city council's CCTV operatives, who monitor the area 24 hours a day.

"We have also brought in additional officers to the city during peak times and weekends, and these will continue for at least the next year," chief insp Hedges added.

"We continue to work with the local authority and other partner agencies to improve CCTV coverage and lighting in the Dane John Gardens, to help keep Canterbury the safe place it is to live, work and visit.

"I urge anyone who has any information about the incident to contact us through our website or by calling our appeal line 01843 222289."