A HALESOWEN park's friends group is appealing for people to call the police if they spot people flouting social distancing rules - after reports of large groups of youths spitting on swings, damaging railings and ripping tape cordoning off equipment.

Two groups of youths - around 20 in total - were spotted damaging railings blocking the entrance to the multi games area on Huntingtree Park on Saturday (May 16).

There have been multiple reports of other breaches of social distancing rules at the park on Bassnage Road on its Facebook site including a group of ten parents enjoying a picnic with their children, a group of around ten youths together on bikes and small children using the gym equipment.

Huntingtree Park friends group has put a message out on Facebook appealing for people to report instances to the police by calling 101.

The message states: "A lady contacted me earlier to say there was a huge group of youths causing damage at the park.

"The tape had been ripped off again, the swings spat on and the railings blocking the entrance to the multi games area damaged. I popped up to have a look and was absolutely appalled.

"There were two groups of youths - totally over 20, no social distancing whatsoever, damage caused.

"Some people were using the play area and the gym equipment!

"All of this goes against current guidelines and the police were called and have attended.

"Please only use the park in line with current guidelines, this means the play area, gym equipment and multi games area is out of bounds.

"Please please report instances like this to 101."

A spokesman for West Midlands Police confirmed it had received reports of suspected social distancing breaches at Huntingtree Park since Friday (May 15).

Individuals in England are now allowed to meet with one other person from outside their household if they stay outdoors.

However, people will still need to follow social distancing guidance by keeping more than 2m (6ft) apart from anyone they don't live with.

They can also play a non-contact sport together outdoors, such as tennis, if they stay distanced.