A Redcar lake has been left completely drained after its sluice gates were removed twice. 

The gates - which control the water flow of the lake - were taken from the corner of the Locke Park lake on Tuesday and thrown into the park’s vegetation. 

This caused water levels to drop significantly, leaving large areas reduced to silt.  

Then, during the evening, Redcar and Cleveland Council officers discovered this had taken place once again, causing the lake to drain completely. 

Pictures of the drained lake have since sparked outrage on social media, with one person saying that it was "heartbreaking to see."

Another argued: "That is absolutely appalling! Why on earth would any idiot do this? They must really hate our lovely park and town."

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A council statement said: "Members of the public should never attempt to do this because it poses a high risk of people injuring themselves and also harms the wildlife within the lake.

"We are hopeful that the lake will gradually refill from the storm overflow system.

"If anyone has any information on the removal of the sluice gates, please contact Babs Webster on 07733110168."