A FIELD in Dorset has been “mindlessly” vandalised after a car gained access and did doughnuts on the grass, damaging more than half the field. 

Potterne Park in Verwood was left heavily damaged earlier this month after a driver gained access to the pitch and drove round in circles, leaving multiple tracks of grass in the process. 

Dorset Council believe the driver had gained access after a client of Potterne Park left the gate unlocked – an investigation is underway to find which sports club was responsible. 

Cllr Simon Gibson, one of Dorset Council’s ward councillors for Verwood, said: “In a disappointing act of mindless vandalism, one of the pitches at Potterne Park was heavily damaged last week by someone doing multiple ‘doughnuts’ on the playing surface using some kind of vehicle.  

Read more: Police tackle anti-social behaviour in Verwood

“Unfortunately, this was made possible by one our clients leaving the gate unlocked, and we are currently investigating which sports club was responsible. 

“Our countryside team has done an outstanding job to repair the damage and bring the pitch back into use, but if anyone has information as to who might have caused the vandalism, please contact Dorset Police. Thank you.” 

Police put out an appeal on social media, too. A spokesperson for East Dorset Police said: “Information please for the mindless damage caused to three football pitches at Potterne Park, Verwood over the weekend. 

Read more: Single vehicle crash blocks road Lake Road in Verwood

“There are now deep divots on over 50 per cent of the pitch and considerable damage to the grass covering. 

“If you have any information, please contact us online at www.dorset.police.uk/Contact and quote occurrence 55220162291.” 

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "Between Saturday 1 October and Monday 3 October 2022 damage was caused to football pitches at Potterne Park in Verwood. An investigation is underway.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220162291.

"Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111."