Yobs have forced the grounds of one of the North East's most beloved museums to temporarily close after a "shameful" spate of vandalism.
Benches have been damaged, plants uprooted and even a totem pole was broken at the Bowes Museum after it closed last Wednesday due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
The grounds were kept open. However bosses have now closed the gates to the ground due to the vandalism while police probe the damage.
"This is a shameful piece of criminal damage within the grounds of a historical location in Barnard Castle," said PC Michael Banks of Durham Constabulary.
The totem pole was pulled over by the yobs, while there have also been attempts to pull out the outdoor trail markers on the grounds of the museum, which houses one of the most impressive private collections of fine and decorative arts in the North of England.
The Director of The Bowes Museum, Adrian Jenkins, said: "It is a shame that the actions of a few will have an impact on many but this closure also ties in with the latest government advice to stay at home to help restrict the spread of coronavirus and the Museum is following in the footsteps of other organisations who have closed gated parks and gardens."
Anyone with information please contact Durham Constabulary quoting reference number DHM23032020-0189.”
