A child was taken to A&E after falling off a swing set in Chesham in what the council has described as an intentional and "malicious" incident.

Chesham Town Council said the swing that the child fell off in Nashleigh Hill Playground on Friday, September 20, had been "maliciously tampered with" by someone who climbed on top of the bar to fiddle with its bolts.

The child was taken to hospital after hitting their head but has since been discharged and is reportedly doing "ok".

A spokesperson for the council said an inspection of the equipment early this week showed that its bolts had been "tampered with" despite having recently passed an annual inspection and being given a once-over by the parks team.

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They added: “We have increased our checks at Nashleigh Hill and have also informed the police, but we would ask that members of the public exercise caution when using the equipment.

“The swing was rehung by someone after the incident which would have involved climbing (on top of it) as the bolt was undone from the top of the bar.

“If anyone sees someone tampering with play equipment, please inform the police and the town hall.”

Thames Valley Police has been contacted for comment.