VANDALS have damaged part of the walls of Scarborough Castle.

Sometime between took 7.30pm on July 27 and 8am on the following, the offenders took wood from the castle compound and set it alight, blackening a section of the castle walls.

Clea Warner, English Heritage's area manager for Yorkshire and the South Lakes, said: “Scarborough Castle is an important historic site and this is a serious case of heritage crime.

“We are very concerned that the castle has been targeted in this way. English Heritage is working with the North Yorkshire Police to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Heritage crime robs us of our shared history and causes damage to places of unique historical significance. It includes offences such as illegal metal detecting, theft of lead and historic stone as well as graffiti and vandalism to historic buildings.”

Chief Inspector Lindsay Stamp, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “It beggars belief that anyone would vandalise one of the county’s most historic buildings.

“I know that the community as a whole in Scarborough takes great pride in attractions such as the castle – and will be keen to see the perpetrators brought to justice.

“I’d appeal for anyone who has any information to share it with us immediately.”

If you have any information that may help the investigation, phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, press one and speak to the force control room. Please quote reference number 12160134659. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be phone anonymously on 0800 555 111.