The skateboard park in Brynamman was opened in the summer

Sharp shards of metal broken off one of the ramps with a large boulder were lodged into other pieces of play equipment and the edges left exposed.

A fire was also started on part of the park in Upper Brynamman, Carmarthenshire, which was opened in the summer under a government scheme for the poorest wards in Wales.

Park keeper Gerwyn Thomas described the incident as "sinister" and police are appealing for information.

It is a great shame to see it wrecked like this by yobs and we can only hope those responsible are caught Gerwyn Thomas, park keeper

Mr Thomas said: "I've cut myself on one of the shards trying to remove it.

"They're very sharp and have been deliberately placed to cause people very nasty injuries."

Lager cans and cider bottles

The popular play area was opened in the summer thanks to a grant from the Welsh Assembly Government's Communities First initiative.

Carmarthenshire council, which runs the park, is now in contact with the manufacturers to establish the cost of repairs.

The most badly damaged equipment has been removed.

The equipment with the worst damage has been removed

Mr Thomas added: "The ramp and park are something youngsters have been asking for for a long time.

"We wanted to see how things went before adding to the park

"It is a great shame to see it wrecked like this by yobs and we can only hope those responsible are caught."

Residents living near the park say it attracts gangs of youths who leave empty lager cans and cider bottles scattered over the area.

June Lewis said: "It is busy with children and their mums in the day but then the older ones spoil it at night.

"You would not be able to print half of what goes on there. Drinking, smoking and swearing.

"It's disgusting as there is so little for the children in Brynamman."