POLICE were last night investigating a vandal attack on the Kassam Stadium pitch.

The playing surface was defaced with letters by a “substance capable of staining the grass”, police said.

The incident happened at about 5.30am on Saturday, ahead of United’s 1-1 draw with Bradford.

Pc Paul Phillips said officers are continuing to analyse CCTV from inside and outside the ground, as well as from the nearby Ozone centre.

He said: “It’s been crimed as a criminal damage as the ground staff had to repair part of the pitch.

“From what I can initially see it’s two, maybe three, people involved.”

Club chairman Kelvin Thomas said: “Obviously the is club is very disappointed by the actions. However, we are pleased that the police have been able to get CCTV footage.

“The club obviously know how important the Swindon fixture is next Sunday. However, we do play Shrewsbury on Tuesday and we are a club that wants to show our ability on the pitch with football rather than vandalism.”

Anyone with any information can call police on 08458 50505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.