Bradgate Park staff 'spat at and assaulted'

Staff at Leicestershire's historic Bradgate Park have reported being attacked and spat at during a recent spike in crime.

Other reports to police included poaching, and damage to signs and parking meters.

In one instance, mountain bikers were spotted with a chainsaw, heading towards the park and Swithland Wood, where it is suspected they intended to cut a track through cover.

Leicestershire Police officers said they were working closely with park rangers to address the recent problems.

In a Facebook post, Leicestershire Police's rural policing team urged people to enjoy the space responsibly, adding: "Bradgate Park welcomes respectful visitors who follow basic rules."

It urged people to stay out of private areas of the park, keep dogs on leads and respect the staff.

Police declined to give any further details on the recent crimes.

A Bradgate Park Trust spokesperson said: "We are working closely with the police and appreciate their support in helping the charity tackle these crimes.”

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