Members left devastated after ‘mindless thugs’ destroy popular golf course

Police have launched an appeal to find who caused the damage.

A group of e-bike riders have destroyed all 18 holes of a popular community golf course.

According to Merseyside Police, a number of reports were filed about electric bikes being ridden across the greens at Bootle Golf Course in Sefton.

Members and staff at the golf club, which is around five miles north of Liverpool city centre and one of two municipal courses managed by the local council, say they have been left “devastated” by the vandalism.

A spokesperson for the local authority told the Liverpool Echo: “It is concerning and disheartening to see a much-loved community facility damaged and vandalised to this degree by a few selfish individuals.

“Bootle Golf Course remains open and playable as council staff work tirelessly to rectify the damage. The repairs will likely require a substantial amount of time and money, using resources that could have been better used elsewhere.

“The incident has been reported to Merseyside Police along with CCTV footage for officers to investigate and prosecute those responsible.”

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On a Facebook community page for the area, one member wrote: “I am lost for words to describe the mindless behaviour.”

Another wrote: “It’s disgusting. What pleasure they get from doing these sort of things its beyond me.”

One more added: “What a sad life they have.”

Another said the golf course “gives a lot of pleasure to most local players” before describing the vandals as “mindless thugs”.

Merseyside Police are asking anyone with information to DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 25000351312.