POLICE are hunting joyriders who used a stolen car to deliberately smash children's play equipment in a park named after the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

Thieves stole a Peugeot car from Oxford Road, Banbury, and sent it careering into a fence and equipment at The Princess Diana Park, on Bretch Hill.

A resident saw two men run away from the car, which had been set on fire by the time police arrived on Friday morning.

Now the search is on to catch the culprits.

Pc Neil Cox said: "We were there within four minutes. By then the car was on fire on the edge of the park and there was nobody with it. We searched the area without success.

"The offenders showed a complete disregard for public property and for the vehicle. It was a shocking act of vandalism and there will be a string of charges when these men are caught."

Anyone with information on the incident should call police on 01869 364520.

Banbury police are also hunting burglars who stole of Sony Playstation, games and jewellery, worth £840 in total, from a home in Glyndebourne Gardens on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident police want to know if anyone was approached by a man claiming to be collecting for a cancer research fund in Long Hanborough or nearby villages.

Pc Steve Thompson said: "We know of one instance in the Churchill Way area and there may be others who were approached in the street or on the doorstep."

A man was questioned by police, but later released. To report an incident call 01993 893850.

Story date: Monday 07 February

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