POLICE are stepping up patrols around a country estate after vandals targeted a charity that helps disabled children.

The vandals struck at a field used by Riding for the Disabled at the St Ives Estate in Bingley over the evening of Friday, May 1 by pouring glue into padlocks securing gates to the field.

Police said the mindless act could have led to tragedy, as it could have delayed emergency services accessing the fields.

A police spokesman said: "RDA’s horses and ponies provide therapy, achievement and enjoyment to people with disabilities all over the UK. The network of 500 volunteer groups organise activities such as riding, carriage driving, vaulting and showjumping to up to 28,000 people each year.

"This mindless act of vandalism has not only cost the charity financially, it also prevented volunteers from taking the horses from the field for some considerable time, delaying planned activities with service users.

"This type of behaviour is unacceptable and would have prevented emergency services gaining access in the event of an emergency. Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team will be patrolling in the area with Bradford Council Park Rangers."

Anyone with information relating to the incident can call 101 quoting 13150177058.