A pitch was sprayed with weed killer in a new attack on Trowbridge Football Club, just hours before young children played at the ground.

Club staff had to make 200 calls to parents of children as young as seven, who had used the pitch the day before, to warn that potentially dangerous chemicals had been sprayed.

Club manager Ralph McCaldon was unaware of the latest attack on the Woodmarsh football ground because the weed killer had not taken effect immediately.

The club’s signs were also defaced with green paint, bringing the total cost of the damage so far to around £8,000.

Mr McCaldon said: “This has become more than just someone holding a grudge with the club now, because they have potentially put children at risk. It has gone beyond just making some sort of political statement.”

He added: “We are blocking up the new entrances that have been cut into the hedgerows, to help secure the site.

“The pitch is playable again and we have reseeded the affected areas, so we hope that it will be back to normal business by the end of October.

“We are not going to let them defeat us.”

Trowbridge Police have announced they are taking tough action to catch those responsible for attacks over recent months.

In July, new entrance gates were torn down and tools, equipment and a £2,000 mower were stolen. Electrical cables for a new building were sawn off and stolen at a cost of £500. Broken glass and litter were also strewn across the grounds and paint splattered over walls.

Sgt Malcolm Mclundie, of Trowbridge Police, said: “I am determined to identify the people concerned in this ongoing and mindless vandalism of an important asset to the Trowbridge community.

“I and my team are actively targeting the area around the club and trying to bring those responsible to justice.

“I am working with the club, Wiltshire Council and the community to prevent further offences against the club.”

He urged people to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if they had any information.