POLICE say they are determined to catch vandals who torched a CCTV van designed to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

Officers parked the van in Victoria Park following recent vandalism and burglaries at nearby allotments where tools used by disabled people were stolen.

But at midnight yesterday, Wednesday, the van was torched and suffered ‘extensive damage’.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: “The arsonists could not have know that the vehicle was working remotely, and the potential for serious harm to someone had they been inside the vehicle as a result of the fire was significant.”

The van was used by officers at Stockton Heath police.

Insp Gary McIntyre, who heads the neighbourhood policing team, said: "We have been working closely with the community to address the incidents of anti-social behaviour around Victoria Park which have been occurring in recent weeks.

“It maybe that the offenders did not realise the distress their actions cause, and the impact of their behaviour, particularly upon those with learning disabilities who take great reward from tending the allotment area. “Officers have done much to provide re-assurance to them, and the attack upon the CCTV van is an attack upon that support and re-assurance to a more vulnerable section of the community.

“Warrington officers will be visible around Victoria Park and the adjacent areas during the course of today, and will be actively seeking information on those responsible for this attack.

“The offenders will be local, and there will be local people who will know, or have a suspicion as to who they might be.

“This is a real opportunity for the community to join with us and help root out the anti-social behaviour which has led to this situation.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.