Extensive damage was caused to Muckamore 3G Pitch during the incident which happened in Antrim on Monday night.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council confirmed the facility has been shut to the public until the necessary repairs can be made.

Local Mayor Neil Kelly has condemned the attack.

“This barbaric act of vandalism in a community facility in the heart of Antrim is absolutely appalling,” he said.

“Unfortunately, this vandalism is not an isolated incident, play parks and toilet facilities are regularly subject to anti-social behaviour.”

“Our facilities are there to serve the local community, to help with the health and wellbeing of our residents.

“However as a result of mindless acts of vandalism like this the Council has spent a staggering amount repairing damage to community facilities in the last year.

“This behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated.”

A PSNI spokesperson said a report of criminal damage was made shortly after 9am on Tuesday morning.

“It was reported that sometime overnight a fire had broken out at the centre in the Ballycraigy Road area and damage had been caused to a play park and a football pitch,” they added.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire and anyone with any information or with CCTV or other footage that could assist with enquiries is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 340 of 30/07/24.

“A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form.”