The gates at a popular National Trust property were damaged overnight.

It is understood a car crashed into the gates at the exit of Castle Coole in the past 24 hours, but the exact time is unclear.

This morning, Friday, July 9, police were in attendance along with National Trust employees to assess the damage and to try and work out what happened.

Parts from a vehicle, including a part of a bumper, were discovered at the scene.

Police are appealing for information. Sergeant McGowan said: “We received a report shortly before 9am this morning [Friday] that damage had been caused to the rear gates of the building, with one gate having been left completely bent out of shape.

“We are investigating, and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity, or have any information which could assist, to contact us at 101, and quote reference number 398 of 09/07/21.”

Alternatively, a report can be made online using the non-emergency reporting form at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111, or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

The National Trust was not in a position to comment about the incident when contacted by The Impartial Reporter.