Yobs have torched a popular Carlisle attraction, attacked wildlife and thrown swan and duck eggs at passing visitors.

The mindless acts of vandalism and rising incidents of loutish behaviour are angering and frustrating residents.

Vandalism incidents have escalated over the last six weeks causing "soul-destroying" damage to facilities in Hammond's Park, Upperby, including the miniature railway and outside toilets.

Youths have also been climbing on roofs of the old aviary and cafe and hurling abuse at those asking them to stop. Potentially lifesaving lifebuoys have also been chucked into the pond.

Cumbria Police have received eight reports of minor damage at Hammond's pond since April 1, including damage to a memorial plaque, a bench and the miniature railway.

Last Sunday a bench was destroyed by fire and on Monday an exhausted duckling and buzzard, which was suffering from brain damage and blinded in one eye, were rescued from the park and taken to Knoxwood Wildlife Trust.

George Scott, the founder of the trust at Wigton, is not sure what happened to the duckling and buzzard.

He said: "We do get quite a lot of calls about Hammond's Pond. We get all sorts really. We had a swan last year with a broken leg."

The Friends of Hammond's Pond are looking for new volunteers to join them to help combat the antisocial behaviour and vandalism.

A spokeswoman from Friends of Hammond's Pond, said: "I’m not sure what the solution is, it's frustrating to all concerned; our group, the cafe on site, visitors to the park, neighbouring communities, police and Carlisle City Council - the list is endless.

"You do wonder what life these people have - and it's not always the kids - in that they would want to vandalise an area where they probably spent many happy times as a child, and in their future would probably take their own children and grandchildren as many have before them.

"It’s such a beautiful park in the centre of the local community. We are doing our utmost as volunteers to support the Green Spaces team to keep the community spirit alive with events held in conjunction with Carlisle City Council and The Rock Youth Project.

"It's such a shame for the minority to spoil it for the majority."

The Carlisle and District Model Engineering Society, which built a miniature railway in the park 70 years ago, has also been targeted by vandals since its collaboration with Story Homes and Story Contracting saw the creation of new carriages, renovation works to the plinth and railway and re-cladding of the club building in April.

The miniature railway is an asset for the local community and entertains hundreds of children.

The club building seems to be a particular target as a fire was started next to it, the guttering was pulled down, graffiti was painted on it, holes were drilled in its walls and duck eggs thrown and smashed all over it.

Kenny Gray, 72, of Harraby, Carlisle, who is a member of the society, said: "It's awful. It's soul-destroying.

"You see the kids enjoying themselves on a Sunday. They come back on Monday and it's a mess."

The costs to repair and maintain the building will come out of the members' own pockets. Although the incidents have been reported to the police, so far no culprits have been brought to justice.

Mr Gray said: "It won't stop I don't think until someone's actually taken to court for criminal damage."

Members are also constantly picking up litter such as beer bottles and pizza boxes.

Sergeant Lewis Powell, of Cumbria Police, said officers were aware of the eight reports of minor damage.

He said: "A number are currently in the process of being investigated. Local PCSOs will be making regular visits to the park.

“Hammond’s Pond is a popular area for individuals and families, and it is a shame that a minority of people are causing these issues. This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable, and we are working hard on locating those responsible.

“Information from the local community is invaluable in these types of investigations, and I would ask anyone who has any relevant information to get in touch.”

A spokesman from Carlisle City Council added: “We are aware of current issues with vandalism at Hammond’s Pond and we are working with the local policing team and with the Friends of Hammond’s Pond to deter further incidents.

"Those involved in carrying out the damage and anti-social behaviour would do well to realise that they (and their families) are paying the cost through their Council Tax - so they are actually harming themselves as well as the park."

Anyone who witnesses criminal damage should call police on 101.

Anyone interested in joining the Friends of Hammond's Pond should contact the group on Facebook or visit www.friendsofhammondspond.co.uk.