VANDALS have forced a popular pontoon to close.

Police were called to the Wivenhoe pontoon after a resident reported witnessing the vandalism of vital emergency equipment.

It was later found that the fire extinguisher had been damaged, set off and then thrown into the River Colne, along with the emergency medical kit.

The destruction of both items means that that the vital amenities are no longer available in the event of an emergency.

It has resulted in the pontoon's closure as both items are insurance requirements. Both items have been reordered.

Last week, the Gazette reported the cover from the fire extinguisher on the pontoon had been damaged, exposing it to the elements.

The act of senseless vandalism follows a spate of anti-social behaviour in Wivenhoe, including two arson attacks in a week.

Following the previous spike of vandalism, members of the Wivenhoe Town Council had expressed frustration at the lack of discernible increase in police activity as a response.

Tom Kane, Wivenhoe’s mayor, said: “Police were called by resident yesterday evening, who came into our office today and reported it to us.

“I believe the police are calling into the council office at some point today.

"We will ask them what is going to be done about this spate of vandalism in the town.

“This is an issue of great concern to us and our residents, we will again call on the police to deploy more of their scarce resources to help us prevent similar acts from occurring.”

Last month, the town suffered a spike of vandalism where a community table tennis table was burnt down using newspapers stolen from a corner shop.

As well as the two counts of arson, residents had also reported the entirety of their bottle recycling being smashed on their front door, as well as milk deliveries being stolen and thrown into marshes.

At the time, it was believed that the previous acts of vandalism in July were linked, however, there is no evidence to suggest at this time that they are linked with the damage to pontoon’s resources.