A NEW defibrillator has been vandalised just weeks after being installed in Highbridge's Apex Park.

Reg Huxtable from Burnham and Highbridge Park Run said he was saddened that some 'mindless people' would vandalise the life-saving equipment so soon after it had been put in.

Mr Huxtable said the cover that fits over the keypad had been damaged and he said it looked as though someone had punched through the cabinet.

"We helped fund the defibrillator just in case we should ever need it on the park run, so to see it damaged so quickly is very frustrating," Mr Huxtable said.

The equipment, an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), was installed in December and is available for use on someone having a suspected heart attack.

Mr Huxtable said they believed the defibrillator had been damaged between Saturday, January 7 and Wednesday, January 11, and anyone with more information is encouraged to phone Avon and Somerset Police on 101.

The defibrillator was installed on the wall of the park’s office building in the Marine Drive car park.

It was fitted with a speaking-instructional device meaning no medical training is required to use it.

Burnham-on-Sea Harriers were granted funds from Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, and received generous donations from the Burnham and Highbridge Parkrun community to buy the AED and it's special storage cabinet, meanwhile Sedgemoor District Council paid for the equipment to be installed.

Sedgemoor District Council paid for the equipment to be installed.