YOUTHS sprayed graffiti onto the leisure structure at Allens Field in South Ascot and also set fire to the centrepiece sculpture, in what could be a live re-enactment of a computer game.

Lighting sticks used to start the fire were also thrown into the field during the incident two weekends ago, raising fears of further damage in the wake of the devastating Swinley Forest fire in 2013.

That blaze, dubbed the largest in Berkshire's history, was started by teenage arsonists.

One resident, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals from the youths, was concerned the installation of a camera at another site was moving the problem around.

He said: "I've heard about them from my neighbour and I've seen some loitering. It's not very nice."

Councillor Lynda Yong, who represents Sunninghill and South Ascot, urged residents to be vigilant and report any damage, particularly as they were ultimately footing the bill for cleaning up the graffiti.

She added: "The Borough have spent a large amount of money on Allens Field so our residents can enjoy this open space.

"To have a few mindless individuals damage this facility is upsetting."

She was worried that if the incident was indeed enacting Level 1 of a computer game, the youths would return to cause more destruction.

Senior community warden Andy Aldridge stressed the case was likely to be an isolated one and that authorities were doing what they could to identify those responsible.

"Since patrols have been stepped up we have had no incidents and we have put more resources into the area," he said.

"With swift action and extra patrols, I hope this is a one-off occasion and our presence has counteracted any further graffiti taking place."

PCSO Andrew Sin, of Ascot police station, said pictures of the graffiti would be run through a national database to see if there are matches.

He continued: "We have been patrolling the area when we can. It is the same problems in the same areas during the summer months.

"Obviously Allens Field has been highlighted because in the space of a week or two weeks there have been some issues."

If any unusual activity is seen, contact 101 with detailed descriptions of the offenders.