A play area that cost more than £178,000 was vandalised days before it was due to open.

Knowsley Council leader Graham Morgan said he was "absolutely furious" that every piece of play equipment at the Finch Woods play park in Halewood, Knowsley had been spray painted with graffiti over the weekend.

Morgan condemned the "mindless vandalism", saying "it is the cost to the community that sickens me the most".

"There is absolutely no reasoning behind this kind of mindless behaviour, but the impact is significant," he said.

"The cost to repair the equipment, remove the paint and assess any safety implications or wider damage will run into thousands of pounds."

He said the facilities were due to open in time for local families to make the most of the park during the summer holidays and this would now have to be delayed due to the actions of a small number of people.

Morgan said the incident had been reported to Merseyside Police and CCTV from the area was being reviewed "to find those responsible and ensure they understand the impact of their actions".

The new facilities include separate junior and toddler play areas connected via a sensory path.

A council spokesperson said new equipment suitable for ages 0-14 had been installed in recent weeks including new swings, slides, climbing frames, accessible and inclusive equipment and sensory panels.

"We will work round the clock to get this park repaired and open for the local community to enjoy," said Morgan.

"We need to find those responsible and do all we can to ensure this kind of mindless vandalism doesn't happen again," he added.

He urged anyone with information to contact police.