A BENCH dedicated to the victims of the Babes in the Wood murders has been damaged by a BBQ.

The bench with a plaque to Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway in Wild Park has been left charred and melted after the "disgusting" act.

A witness said the damage was caused by "an Irish woman with her kids" on Sunday.

Brighton and Hove City Council said it will be replacing or repairing the bench, depending on the wishes of the families.

A spokesman said: “We are very sad to hear that this memorial bench has been damaged.

“We would be happy to repair or replace the bench.

“But above all we want to make sure the wishes of the families are respected.

“So we will be working with the police to contact them and discuss their wishes before deciding anything.

“We would appeal to all our residents and visitors to use disposable barbecues respectfully and dispose of them safely.”

Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway were murdered by Russell Bishop in 1986.

Bishop was 20 years old when he sexually assaulted and strangled nine-year-olds in a woodland den.

The damage caused by the BBQ has been branded "disgusting" and "stupid" by residents.