A post on the GMP Bury South Facebook page read: "If anybody has any information about this act of vandalism on St Mary's Park please drop us a message on here or pass the information onto the Phoenix club. Thank you."

Residents shared their views on the police post.

Sue Silvester said: "And this is why we can't have nice things. Absolute disgrace."

Anthony Edwards said: "What possible pleasure can anyone get out of doing this, beggars belief."

It is understood the nets have since been repaired and are now back in use.