Southampton City Council has released a statement after a golf course was vandalised last weekend.

Young people on bikes and quadbikes ripped across the course’s green last Saturday, leaving tire marks on the field and part of the course unusable.

Members of the public exercising and dog walkers nearby watched on as the 27-hole council-run course was ripped apart in broad daylight.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the authority said it was "really sad" to see the vandalism to a section of the grass at the course, adding it was the first incident of this kind this year.

They said: “The grounds maintenance team at the council started work to repair the damage caused to the course on Sunday morning.

“We’ve ensured players have an alternative green to play and we anticipate that the impacted area (green 4) will be back open within two weeks.

“We’re very much welcoming players for a great value round of golf, and pleased the impact of the vandalism on players is limited.”

The spokesperson also said the 18-hole championship course is a "great asset" to the city which offers an "outstanding location for a round of golf and leisure".