Digger rampage wrecks playing fields

Thieves have caused widespread damage after stealing a 40-tonne earth mover and going on a reckless ride through farms and playing fields in Stafford.

The Fiat Kebelco material mover is thought to have been stolen from the development site at Stafford Castle Golf Club on Wednesday night between 5pm and 10pm.

The offenders then went on a rampage through the ground and neighbouring fields, damaging metal gates and posts.

The machine was driven onto Doxey playing fields where it was used to dig up the pitch in four separate locations, causing major damage to the ground which is regularly used by sports teams and owned by the parish council.

From there the earth mover was driven across more fields before being abandoned near to the end of Martin Drive, in Castletown.

It is not yet known how much damage has been caused or how much it will cost to repair. Police have launched a hunt for the offenders and have begun speaking to landowners to learn the extent of the havoc.

Doxey parish councillor David Hughes, who uses the playing field regularly and cuts the grass there, said the damage would be costly to repair.

He said: "I was absolutely furious when I saw what had been done. It has been left in a right mess and the parish council is going to have to pay to put it right."

Police officers have been speaking to local people in Doxey and have appealed for anyone with information or witnesses to get in touch.

Spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police, Faye Casey, said it was thought the vehicle was heard by residents on the playing fields at around 10.30pm after a number of people reported loud noises at around that time.

The machine was found at around 7.30 the next morning.

Mrs Casey added: "We want to hear from anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in these areas on Wednesday night."

Anyone with information should contact DC Paul Irwin at Stafford police station on 0300 123 44 55.