Arsonists have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to a community football pitch.

Smoke from the incident at the Meriden Community Centre in Garsmouth Way was seem billowing across the nearby housing estate.

Part of the five-a-side pitch was destroyed in the blaze, which police said took place between 11am on Friday, June 3 and 8.30am on Monday, June 6.

Nearby resident Mike Shrimpton, of Friends of Meriden, said: "The facility is now closed except for organised events thus preventing local youths playing on it.

"Although it is not yet 'officially open' it has been open for a few weeks and apart from bikes being ridden and the accumulation of rubbish it has proved very popular and attracts many youths.

"Just a few have ruined this opportunity to play on a truly magnificent surface for a great many youths who want to play on it and treat it with respect."

Watford FC Education & Sports Trust have now closed the new 3G football facility at the bottom of Meriden Park.

Writing on Facebook, Clare Faulkner said: "I live opposite and my son has been using it and really enjoyed it. I think there is a better way to go about things rather than closing it."