Concrete blocks are to be installed as a matter of urgency at a new skatepark in south Essex after a “stolen car was caught doing doughnuts”.

Essex Police were called to Hullbridge Skatepark, in Pooles Lane, early on Monday morning following reports of a stolen vehicle.

According to reports, the Ford Ka left the road and drove into the skatepark, carrying out dangerous manoeuvres before two suspects left the scene.

The car has since been recovered and an investigation has been launched by Essex Police.

The skatepark was only opened to the public a week ago in a bid to improve recreational facilities across the Rochford district.

Julie Gooding, councillor responsible for Hawkwell West, revealed concrete blocks will now be installed to prevent the incident happening again.

She said: “It is sad to see the new facility not appreciated by the minority.

“The stolen car has since been removed and concrete blocks will be put in place to stop any further incursions as a matter of urgency.

“We as the administration are delighted that we have been able to provide fantastic facilities for Hullbridge residents and those living within the district.

“We plan to also re-open the new skatepark facilities behind Rayleigh Leisure Centre, and later on are hoping for another one to be re-designed at Clements Hall Leisure Centre’s open space.

“All of these will be completely different designs to offer variation across the district.”

Designed and built by Betongpark, this state-of-the-art skatepark was funded through 106 agreement funds.

The skatepark features a closed bowl design with distinctively pigmented concrete, giving a nod to the origins of skateboarding in California’s backyard swimming pools.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called to reports of a stolen vehicle driven into Hullbridge Skatepark, in Pooles Lane, early on Monday, July 22.

“The vehicle, a Ford Ka, left the road and drove into the skatepark.

“Witnesses reported two suspects leaving the scene at about 3.45am.

“The car has now been recovered and our investigation into the incident is ongoing.”