VANDALS have caused more than £20,000 worth of damage to athletics equipment at Newport Stadium in a suspected arson attack over the weekend.

And the secretary of Newport Harriers said the multi-million pound sporting facilities at Spytty have become a "magnet" for vandals, putting major athletic events at the stadium in jeopardy.

On Saturday Richie Jenkins arrived at the stadium to find the £12,000 pole vaulting crash mat had been torched in a suspected arson incident.

Mr Jenkins said that the cost of replacing the mat, with a vandal proof all-weather cover and a new bed, could cost up to £30,000.

"It was gut-wrenching", said Mr Jenkins. "Twelve grand has gone up in flames just like that."

And he said the incident was the culmination of a rise in vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the sports complex.

"I have seen youngsters standing on the perimeter wall and throwing stones at the athletes while they train.

"They have already made a large hole in the surrounding fence which they can climb through and go on the track out of hours."

And he said the vandalism could affect some of the high profile athletics events planned over the summer.

"Now if they happen it is going to have to be without a pole vault competition because there is no mat.

"It is great that the council has spent so much money on all the facilities over here, but it is no use having all these excellent facilities if we cannot look after them. At the moment they are a magnet for children who are not interested in doing anything but causing trouble."

Newport Harriers senior coach Tony Lewis said: "This act of vandalism is very disappointing from our point of view. We've got some critical matches coming up and it won't look good if a club at this level can't stage a pole vaulting event because we have no mat."

A police inquiry is already under way into the blaze.

Hayden Ames, Newport council's sport and leisure manager, said: "A hole had been knocked in the parameter wall through which access was gained into the premises.

"We are disappointed that a small minority can spoil the enjoyment of so many athletes involved with the Newport Harriers Athletic Club but we are looking to replace the piece of equipment as soon as possible.

"We are in touch the insurance company and the police are continuing their enquiry into the incident."