'Disgraceful' vandalism ahead of tennis tournament

An "outrageous act of vandalism" has taken place at a world-renowned tennis centre ahead of a major tournament, a council has said.

Damage to several courts has been discovered at Devonshire Park, where the annual Lexus Eastbourne Open is to be held next month.

Eastbourne Borough Council leader Stephen Holt said that Devonshire Park was one of Eastbourne's "greatest assets" and that the vandalism was an "utterly disgraceful act".

Security measures have been increased following the incident, the council said.

Staff arrived at the site on Friday to continue preparations to the upcoming tournament and found "extensive damage across several courts", the council said.

Holt said: "The council's dedicated team have been working tirelessly to prepare the courts for the international tournament.

"This was an outrageous act of mindless vandalism that showed total disregard for our town, our residents, and the global sporting event we are proud to host each year."

Holt also confirmed that the council was working with Sussex Police and were reviewing CCTV footage from the site and surrounding area.

Following the incident, the council said it was introducing additional security measures.

Holt said that the council would do "everything possible" to support police in identifying those responsible.

"Despite this setback, our brilliant team at Devonshire Park are working to ensure the courts are handed over to the LTA, ready for the world class tennis that we're all looking forward to," he said.

The LTA said there would be "no impact" on the tournament, adding that ground staff were "already working hard to repair the damage to the grass".

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