RESIDENTS are shocked and disturbed after thugs carried out 'sick' attacks on a children's playground by placing razor blades on a slide.

Injured Ben Davies, 11, of Greenside, Bourne End, fell victim to the twisted prank last Thursday when his hand was badly cut on the ride, narrowly missing his wrist.

The log slide at the playground in Blind Lane, Bourne End, is now being checked daily in order to stop any further injuries.

His dad Roger, 30, said: "He was very lucky. It could have been a lot worse.

"I cannot even comprehend why somebody would want to do this once but to go back and do it again; it's sick."

Ben and his friends are now being extra vigilant after he warned them of the wicked blade danger in what should be a safe play area for youngsters.

The culprits repeatedly placed craft knife blades strategically on the slide, pushing them into the wood on the sides so they could be easily missed by excited children.

Mr Davies suspects the dangerous vandalism is being carried out by bored teenagers.

He said: "The word is it's the teenagers because they don't have a facility there for them. I'm pretty sure it's happening in the evenings.

"After the kids are tucked up in bed, it [the playground] has another use.

"It's always been a black spot. It's a bit sad really."

Gerry Barry, Wooburn Parish clerk, said: "These things are sharp on both ends.

"This is obviously somebody who is a head case. We have asked the wardens to go out each morning and check.

"That way we have a fighting chance of removing them before any children use the playground."

Six blades have already been detected and Mr Davies wants to warn other parents.

He said: "It is a park for young kids and it's worrying, especially as I have a young daughter Kiera who's just six-months-old who will be using it.

"Kids don't normally look out for these things because they shouldn't have to.

"I want to make parents aware that this sort of thing is going on. Their kids have to be extra careful and if they see anyone who they think might be involved to contact the local police."

The incidents have been reported to police and are being investigated.