The damage at the playing fields just off Crawshaw Street, was discovered on Saturday morning my Dewsbury West councillor Mumtaz Hussain.

Coun Hussain, who had arranged for the new pitch to be installed just two months ago, said it had come as a real blow to the cricket teams who play there.

"There are five or six teams who use this pitch every week and as we're in the middle of cricket season all the teams are disheartened.
"I had said we would be happy if it could just be patched up but Kirklees have said it will need to be replaced, which will cost between £3,000 and £40,000."

Coun Hussain said the pitch could be replaced by the weekend, but was an unnecessary expense and inconvenience to the players.

Police said the damage was reported to them shortly after 9.30am on Saturday morning and anyone who has any information regarding the criminal damage to the pitch should contact Pc Stephen Keyworth on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.