A MAN has been arrested and an investigation launched after a driver damaged a park in North Yorkshire.

Residents in Thorganby, between York and Selby, reported a vehicle riding on grassland in the village between 10.30pm and 11.15pm on Thursday, and the next morning saw heavy tyre tracks throughout the area and part of the wooden fencing had been destroyed.

One resident contacted The Press and said: "Reckless driving has destroyed part of the village park.

"A car had ploughed through one end of the fence to a little bit further down. It had gone through the park and turfed quite a bit of the ground up, making the park look a mess. Bits of the car had been left with vital information to lead to what vehicle was being used."

The Press understands a registration plate was found at the scene, along with part of a damaged bumper, and locals reported the matter to police.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said a man had been arrested in connection with the incident, which is still under investigation.

He said: "We were called at 11pm on Thursday, to a report that a white van had collided with a tree and a car, and failed to stop at the scene in Thorganby. A few minutes later we received a further call stating that a white van had crashed into the duck pond in North Duffield.

"Officers attended and located a 33-year-old man nearby. He was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, dangerous driving and failing to stop. He blew 101 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath."

The arrested man remains in police custody.

Can you help?

Anyone with information that could help police is asked to phone 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111, quoting reference 12150151059.