Mindless yobs have been blasted after a historic site was vandalised.

The Ice House in Eglinton Park has been left seriously damaged after vandals gouged out bricks from the ancient brickwork and destroyed part of the surroundings.

The Ice House has stood in the park for more than 200 years and was used by the Earl of Eglinton, dating back to 1802 when the Eglinton Castle was built.

Staff from Eglinton Park today lashed out at the vandals, blasting them as “mindless and pointless”.

A spokesperson for the park said: “We’ve had a couple of messages from some diligent Park users over the weekend alerting us to damage at the Ice House.

“Needless to say we are shocked and somewhat saddened by such mindless and pointless vandalism. Not only is this quirky old building a part of our history here at Eglinton, but it is a part of many visitor’s’ personal histories – a part of so many fond memories for so many people over several generations now – and it’s such a shame to see it succumb to such silly acts.

“The police have been notified and are looking into this. In the meantime, if you see any suspicious or outright antisocial behaviour in the Park, please phone 101 and notify the Police. For safety’s sake, do not attempt to challenge anybody directly.”

A spokesman for Irvine Police office said: “We received a report of an incident of vandalism to the Ice House at Eglinton Country Park this morning. Police officers are dealing with the incident and a crime report has been logged.”