SHARDS of broken glass left sticking up in children's play equipment at a park in Wick are believed to have been placed there deliberately.

A seven-year-old boy received treatment in hospital after cutting his finger on the glass on Tuesday morning.

The shards were located in a wooden pole in the fitness trail at Brockwell Park.

A spokesman for Wick Parish Council said: "We at Parish Council, together with the staff at Wick Primary school, were horrified to hear of the injury to this poor child.

"As soon as we were informed, we visited the park and located and removed the glass which had been deliberately pushed into wooden poles on a fitness area within Brockwell Park at Wick.  I have now spoken to both parents and expressed our concern.

"I can confirm that there is an ongoing problem with antisocial behaviour, vandalism  and general nuisance within the parish, which has been reported continually to the police. 

"We share, with the rest of Boyd Valley just one Police Community Support Officer who is stretched to her limit, attempting to provide cover in all areas."