BALACLAVA wearing yobs "destroyed" part of a golf course after riding "stolen" quad bikes across the fairway and greens.

Shocked witnesses described seeing six quad bikes riding across Belfairs Golf Course, in Leigh, at roughly 5.30pm on Saturday.

It is the latest in a series of incidents after the course was left unplayable last December when quad bike riders caused £100,000 of damage to the course.

Essex Police has launched an investigation and residents have claimed the quad bikes had been stolen and were spotted riding along the A13 near Chalkwell Park before the incident.

Belfairs councillor Stephen Aylen said: “There were six quad bikes, ridden by what is described as young teenagers.

“They have destroyed and wreaked havoc on two of the greens, and stole some of the flags too.

“They were also going at full throttle, with walkers, and golfers about, which was extremely dangerous.

“It is now unplayable. Those greens probably won’t be recovered now until next year due to the weather.

“It is just shocking. It ruins it for everyone.”

Belfairs Golf Course officially opened on September 11, 1926 and was regarded as one of the top golf courses in Britain. It is still seen “one of the best municipal greens” in the country.

Leigh resident, Jean de Tourtoulon, added: “I am appalled.

“Not only did they cause so much damage, someone could have been seriously injured as they hared around the woods, paths, and roads.”

Police are urging anyone with information has been urged to call the force as soon as possible.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called with reports of criminal damage at Belfairs Gold Club in Leigh at about 5.30pm on Saturday, September 28.

“Witnesses at the scene stated several suspects were riding quad bikes on the golf course and damaging the flags and poles.

“The suspects were reportedly riding red quad bikes and were wearing balaclavas.

“We have launched an investigation and our enquiries are ongoing.

“Please contact us quoting incident 951 of Saturday, September 30 with any information or dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident.”

Belfairs Golf Course has been contacted for comment by the Echo.