VANDALS wreaking havoc in Matfield have been blamed for setting toilets ablaze and trashing parts of a new housing estate in the village.

Concerned at a spate of incidents over the last month, police have pledged to step up their patrols while the parish council warned the escalating attacks could lead to someone being seriously injured.

Chairman Mike Mackenzie said: "Given the nature of the crimes and the apparent escalation of seriousness, we are very concerned for the safety of the perpetrators who we believe are at serious risk of injury to themselves or to others."

Windows have been smashed at the village hall, red paint thrown over the building's roof and walls, and fencing torn down by the cricket pavilion, he said.

Arsonists started fires in both public toilets on January 9. And just a week later the windows were targeted again.

Most recently, during the freeze this week, rubbish bins from the green were tossed on to ice covering the nearby pond.

Mr Mackenzie said manhole covers had recently been stolen from footpaths.

But efforts to keep the public safe by marking one of the holes with a road cone had failed after it was also found thrown on to the pond ice.

Chief Inspector Jon Bumpus, Kent Police District Commander, said: "A small minority of individuals has been committing acts of mindless vandalism in and around Matfield village, but I can assure residents it is an issue we are aware of and taking action on as a priority.

"As a result of the recent restructure at Kent Police, the number of neighbourhood officers covering the western end of the Tunbridge Wells rural area, which includes Matfield, has increased from two to five, plus a sergeant with overall responsibility.

"The number of PCSOs remains unchanged."

"In addition to increasing patrols in the area, I will personally be meeting with the council next week to discuss long-term solutions to this issue."

Residents at Wish Court, a Town and Country Housing Group development occupied for barely a year, told of lighting bollards which had been broken off and young trees snapped in two.

They said that youths often caused trouble in nearby woodland, starting fires and "tearing around on motorbikes".

Chief Insp Bumpus added: "It's important that we retain perspective around this issue.

"Whilst there have been these recent incidents, crime continues to fall in the village of Matfield, with a drop in crime of 17 per cent in this financial year compared to last."