Vandals carve obscenities into main door at Norman-era Pickering Castle

Obscenities were carved into the wooden door at the entrace to the castle overnight between May 19 and 20.

Officers are asking for the public's help to identify those responsible for the criminal damage.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Pickering Castle – which dates back to the time of the Normans under William the Conqueror – is one of thousands of heritage sites that make our area such a great place to live and visit.

“We all need to work together to protect these sites, so that future generations can continue to enjoy them for many years to come.

"This can be achieved by increasing awareness of the heritage assets in our community, supporting rural watch schemes, and encouraging members of the public to report incidents around heritage sites.”

North Yorkshire Police regularly patrol heritage sites, and work with partner agencies to ensure they are protected.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation into the damage at Pickering Castle should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Louise Neville-Beck. You can also email [email protected]

Information can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference number: 12210121816.