Illegal off-roaders are being linked to damage caused at a prime Lake District viewpoint last week.
Visitors to 2,159ft High Pike, near Caldbeck, discovered the summit had been “trashed”.
A 4×4 vehicle found nearby was photographed and linked to the alleged incident on social media by critics.
Contacted for comment, police did not expand on who was responsible, but confirmed that they are investigating a criminal damage report made on Wednesday.
The suspects are believed to have been in the area some time between 4pm on Monday, July 17 and 4.30pm the next day.
A police spokesman said: “We’d appeal for anyone who witnessed what has occurred and can identify the persons and/or vehicles involved, or anyone who has any other information which would assist, to come forward.”
In the same month, in an unconnected incident, the slate and stone trig point which had stood at Loughrigg above Grasmere for more than 60 years, was toppled, before being repaired in May.
In 2018, Lingy Hut near High Pike was vandalised with graffiti.
Off-roading on “green lanes” is a contentious issue in the Lake District National Park.
It can create conflict between different groups using the area, such as walkers, mountain bikers and 4×4 owners.
Early last year, the issue bubbled to the surface again following 4×4 activity during the winter.
The national park authority said of off-roaders at the time: “Taking a vehicle off a legitimate route without permission is both illegal and unacceptable, and damages the reputation of legal vehicle users.
“Any such activity witnessed, for example vehicles leaving the legal routes, not being road-legal, or behaving dangerously, should be reported to Cumbria police using the 101 non-emergency number.”
A spokesperson for the Lake District National Park Authority confirmed that High Pike is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, protected under law.
“Off-roading not only causes damage to these special landscapes which can take years to recover, but also disturbs wildlife such as ground nesting birds. This is an unauthorised activity on a SSSI. We are aware of the trespass and vandalism and are working with the police on this matter.”
Witnesses can report it online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit, quoting incident number 22 of July 19, 2023, or phone on 101. Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
