POLICE are investigating after a number of football nets were damaged in the south of the Island causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Four football nets were cut with a sharp implement at Colby and Rushen Football clubs overnight on Friday, January 7, and Saturday, January 8.

It will cost the clubs up to £1,000 to replace these.

There were also two separate incidents of damage to the football nets at King William's College. The first happened during the same time period and in a similar manner to those at Colby and Rushen.

The nets were replaced so that matches could continue but were damaged again on Sunday, January 9.

On this occasion four nets were cut from the goal posts and thrown over the wall in the area of Hango Hill. Two of the goal posts were also uprooted and thrown onto the beach.

Police have said that in this instance more than one person would have been involved due to the weight of the posts and the fact they were carried over the college wall, across the road and then thrown onto the beach.

Fortunately the goal posts were recovered and replaced undamaged however the nets cost more than £500 each to replace.

Police have reiterated that offences of this nature do not benefit anyone and are very frustrating and expensive for the clubs concerned.

They have spoken to the Isle of Man Football Association and advised them to ensure that the nets are taken off the posts when not required.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Gary Williams at Port Erin Police Station on 01624 832222.