Rampaging vandals tore down dozens of historic concrete pillars and left a city park looking like a "war zone".

Thirty six pillars, which survived the Second World War and the 1987 hurricane, were toppled by a gang over two nights at The Level in Brighton.

The majority of them were smashed and irreparably damaged.

Nearby residents have spoken of their anger at the vandalism, which the council estimates is worth up to £40,000.

The pillars, which are made of concrete but designed to look like marble, are part of the conservation area in the park.

They were built in the Thirties to surround a boating lake that was later filled in, and currently sit around a children's paddling pool.

Council workers were clearing the wreckage today. They took the few remaining pillars which were left untouched into storage for fear of further attacks after the vandals struck on both Wednesday and Thursday night.

Christine Ford, who has run the Kiosk on The Level cafe for more than 30 years, said: "I am utterly appalled by what has happened. It just looks like a war zone.

"We've had a lot of problems with the kids who hang around at night.

"There is just no respect these days. It's a disgrace. These pillars survived the war and the hurricane but not these idiots who just want to destroy everything."

Hilary Harris, 55, of Ditchling Road, said: "I've spoken to a few people about it and everyone is just really depressed. There must have been quite a few of them because it would take a lot of strength to push one of those pillars over.

"It is criminal damage, a big step up from graffiti or smashing a bottle in the street. I just hope the police catch whoever did this."

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said the pillars would be taken into storage and eventually returned to the park as part of a plan to revamp the Level.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "A full investigation is being launched into this incident.

"We have regular patrols and will be stepping up police presence in the area. We also want any witnesses to the damage to contact us immediately."

Anyone with information should call 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

For more information about crime in your area visit the local information section of this website.