Culprits who vandalised a new lifebuoy were warned they are putting lives at risk.

The lifesaving equipment, which was installed on the bridge between Ducklington Lake and Snipe Meadow in Witney, was removed from its housing and dumped in the river.

Witney Town Council said: "How disheartening during Drowning Prevention Week to hear that our Biodiversity Officer discovered this lifebuoy missing from its case this morning.

"Luckily, he spotted it dumped in the river and waded in to retrieve it and has replaced it."

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They added: "There is really no excuse for the misuse of potentially life saving equipment in this way. We all need to be able to rely on it being there if it should be needed. Those few minutes spent looking for the next nearest one could cost a life."

It urged anyone who sees anyone vandalising or misusing the lifebuoys to report it to the police by calling 101.

A council spokesperson said: “While individuals are responsible for the judgements and choices they make and the implications that has on their safety; vandalism and deliberate removal of life saving equipment has implications for the safety of others.”