Rogue golfer hunted by police after a historic fort was 'bombarded' with at least 40 balls, leaving several divot marks
Police are on the hunt for a rogue golfer who repeatedly 'bombarded' a historic fort with balls.
At least 40 golf balls were hit towards the protected building in Suffolk causing damage to the mortar on the outer walls and the surrounding lawn.
They were driven from a grass mound directly outside Landguard Fort in Felixstowe leaving several divot marks.
The numerous glass windows were narrowly missed during the assault at the beginning of the week.
Police believe the attack took place between 5pm on Monday and 9am on Tuesday.
Police Sergeant Chris Green, of the Suffolk Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Crime Team, said: 'In many years of policing the acts of a few select people can still truly stagger me.
'This clearly ranks up there with the most utterly mindless offences, especially as the building is historically significant and is maintained by committed volunteers.
'It is lucky that no members of the Fort Trust were working inside after hours as the Fort was bombarded.
Landguard Fort in Felixstowe, Suffolk, is a historical monument under the protection of English Heritage
At least 40 balls were hit towards the protected building in Suffolk causing damage to the mortar on the outer walls and the surrounding lawn
The balls were driven from a grass mound directly outside Landguard Fort leaving several divot marks
'For someone looking to upset the local community and find themselves being interviewed by the Police this behaviour is a hole in one.'
The building was originally built in 1540 to guard the mouth of the River Orwell and was reconstructed in the 17th and 18th century.
The fort's most significant function was in World War Two, serving as the launching point for Operation Outward.
British forces launched helium balloons with long metal wires from the site.
The aim was to destroy power lines in Germany and German-occupied areas - the operation was a success.
After the war, the fort was briefly used as a 'Cold War' control room, but it was disarmed and closed in 1956.
The historical monument is now under the protection of English Heritage and is looked after by a team of dedicated volunteers.
It is open to visitors at certain times of the year.
The golf ball attack is classified as an aggravated offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
