A lifesaving defibrillator has been damaged by alcohol-fuelled children who assaulted police and security guards.

Hampshire police confirmed to the Echo that they had been called to Lapstone Playing Fields in Horton Heath to reports of a group of children drinking alcohol.

A spokesperson told the Echo they were "being loud and tampering with a defibrillator", while the teens are also said to have committed a "verbal hate-related incident".

No arrests have been made, but a statement made by Fair Oak Parish Council in its monthly e-bulletin said that its security staff were "also assaulted" and that the group "attempted to damage a police vehicle".

READ MORE: Teenager punched in the face at popular skatepark in Hedge End

The behaviour has been condemned by a former Mayor of Eastleigh, who branded the hate-related incident "totally unacceptable".

The statement in the bulletin from the council said: "The cost of repairs will need to be covered from our reserves, funds that would otherwise be used to improve equipment and facilities for the community.

"In response, there is now an increased police presence in the village alongside our regular security patrols to help keep everyone safe.

"CCTV footage has been collected, and we are working closely with the authorities to identify and take appropriate action against those responsible."

The verbal hate was directed at an employee of one of Hampshire police's partners, who was supporting officers in response to the incidents that evening.

Councillor Nicholas Couldrey, pictured during his time as Mayor of Eastleigh.Councillor Nicholas Couldrey, pictured during his time as Mayor of Eastleigh. (Image: Eastleigh Borough Council) But Councillor Nicholas Couldrey, the former Mayor of Eastleigh between 2022 and 2023, has now branded the incident "totally unacceptable".

READ MORE: Police make three arrests after attack in busy city centre road

"It's not behaviour that anyone will be proud or should be proud of," he said.

"A group of young people behaved very badly, caused a bit of damage and needed the police to come and sort them out."

In regards to the anti-social behaviour, he said that he is certain "nobody thinks that it is acceptable".

Fair Oak Parish Council's statement also said that the group "threw bottles" and "obstructed the police" in the field's car park once officers had arrived during the incident after 9pm on June 20.

The local authority said that the police are "currently treating" an incident of "verbal abuse" as "a hate crime" related to a person's height.