POLICE are stepping up patrols to prevent further destruction at a popular Malmesbury beauty spot.

Officers became concerned after reports of damage, camp fires and drug taking at the Conygre Mead Nature Reserve on the edge of town.

Fires being lit was especially worrying during the dry weather, with a possibility of a blaze spreading, said police.

PCSO Michaele Lareine said: “There is evidence that someone has gone into the wooded area on a regular basis and cut down branches of trees in order to create a shelter.

“There is also evidence that a fire has been lit at the location. In addition, we have found cannabis that has been left behind. This constitutes criminal damage, arson and drug offences.”

PCSP Lareine stressed that reserve, which is managed by the Malmesbury River Valley Nature Trust, was home to a rich array of wildlife such as badgers and ground-nesting birds.

She said: “This activity poses a threat to their habitat as well as other people visiting the nature reserve.

“We will be treating this as a priority due to the potential for a series fire taking hold in the very dry conditions we are experiencing.”

She urged those responsible “not continue to misuse the nature reserve in this way.”

Anyone with information over who may be responsible is urged to contact Wiltshire Police by calling 101.