VANDALS have damaged the latest yarn bombing artwork creation on Saltburn pier just days after it was installed.

The mystery yarn bombers had only put up their wooly masterpiece celebrating a summer theme four days ago but several of the colourful characters have been damaged.

Arms and legs have been ripped off characters including the RNLI lifeguard and other characters were scattered across the beach.

The previous Saltburn yarnbombings on royalty and the Olympics attracted extra tourists to visit the resort.

RNLI lifeguard Richie Mitchell said: “I saw a council worker carrying a large bag of yarnbombing off the beach.

“It’s only been up a few days. It’s terrible for someone to do this. It’s some mindless idiots and morons who are spoiling things for everyone.

“I found a leg of wool myself and a few bits on the beach. I cover this beach regularly.”

Only days ago, Redcar and Cleveland Council said it was to put its vandalised aunt sally seaside attraction board back at the resort.

The Victorian-style aunt sally was stolen from near the pier just five days after it was put up, in March.

It was erected by the borough council so locals and visitors could stick their heads through for fun snaps.

But thieves ripped the £2,500 board down from its metal posts and then tossed it into the sea.

It was eventually discovered washed up on nearby Marske beach.

However, a council spokeswoman confirmed plans are afoot to reinstate the attraction - though at a different spot.

She said: “A new planning application has been submitted. Now it’s hoped it will be returned in time for the summer holidays at an alternative location on the lower promenade.”