VANDALS have destroyed a bench placed on an Uffculme estate for a severely disabled resident.

Police believe youths poured a flammable liquid over the seat at Highland Terrace before watching it go up in flames on Wednesday evening.

Residents are disgusted that the bench, erected for stroke victim Don Polsford two years ago, has been wrecked.

His wife Sylvia, 60, said: "My husband is severely disabled and he has since spent hours sitting there in the fine weather.

"He would speak to everyone when he sat there and people would come and have a chat with him — but all of a sudden it was burnt.

"We didn't find out until the following morning and I was absolutely appalled. Who on Earth would do something like that?

"It was made with a reinforced recycled material and whoever wanted to burn it would have needed to use something flammable. It couldn't have been done with sticks and matches. It has scorched the fence and a tree, too," she said.

Two large holes have been left in the bench making it almost unusable.

Ex-lorry driver Don, 59, suffered a stroke 10 years ago leaving him paralysed down the left side of his body.

He used to lean on a lamppost everyday looking out over fields. A neighbour requested that Mid Devon District Council made funding available so Don could use a bench instead.

Mrs Polsford, who has lived in the village all of her life, said: "The bench was in a little alcove for two years and it had given him nice views of the woods behind the village and the farmers ploughing their fields."

Mrs Polsford said other residents are equally as shocked

She added: "Most of the youngsters here know and respect us, so maybe it was someone who is new to the village. Some children have already come up to Don to say they are sorry to hear what has happened.

"It just seems that some people have no respect for the disabled — they could end up like it one day," she said.

Police say the vandalism happened on September 17, between 9pm and 10pm.

Anyone with information is asked to call Cullompton Police Station on 08452 777444.