A Suffolk authority has spoke of its disappointment after part of a castle it owned was damaged.

Eye Castle, owned by Mid Suffolk District Council, was damaged between 6.30pm on Thursday, April 9, and 6.30pm on Saturday, April 11.

An internal wall of the observational tower was damaged.

The castle is one of the few surviving motte-and-bailey castles built shortly after the Norman conquest of England in 1066.

The castle was sacked and largely destroyed in 1265.

David Hughes, who is responsible for the castle on behalf of Mid Suffolk, said the damage was discovered by one of the local keyholders for the site.

Mr Hughes added: 'It's disappointing.

'We have spent a lot of time and money restoring the walls to restore the site.

'We've got a new phone app and website and somebody has gone along, loosened the lime and mortar and knocked the stones out.

'It's disappointing somebody would do it.

'There's no real reason behind it. It's probably boredom and the castle was there.'

Mr Hughes added Historic England had visited the site, and it would be advising the district council how to repair the walls.

Historic England needs to give Mid Suffolk consent before it can go ahead and repair the site.

'There's no indication of cost as of yet,' said Mr Hughes.

'The site is back open to the public again.

'The keyholders and other castle watchers are keeping a close eye in case it's a particular group.

'I think it's a one-off though, but we want to make sure it doesn't happen again.'

Police are appealing for witnesses, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Mid Suffolk North Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101, quoting reference ST/15/1102.