A MAN has been arrested in connection with a recent spate of criminal damage.

The South Lakes Police proactive team confirmed a 45-year-old man from Ambleside was arrested on Wednesday night.

Officers confirmed the arrest in the area of White Moss Common between Rydal and Grasmere was related to a number of reports of criminal damage caused to gates and signs in the area.

Police had resorted to carrying out regular patrols and putting up signs around the Lakes warning that vandalism was a crime and officers were on the lookout for those responsible.

A police spokesman said: "A 45-year-old man who resides in the Ambleside area has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

"He has been released under investigation."

One Twitter user said: "My friend’s late father’s memorial gate was one of those targeted."