POLICE are hunting “callous” yobs who taped a knife to a playground swing in a vicious attempt to slash a child’s hand.

The craft knife with a one-inch blade was found taped to the swing’s chains at hand level on Cliveden Road play area on December 21.

Mercifully, a parent taking their child to the playground discovered the blade before anyone was hurt and they handed it in to neighbourhood wardens.

Sgt Anton Sullivan, of Chester Outer Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “A member of the public has done the right thing by reporting it to the police.

“This is a ridiculously callous thing to do. The stupidity beggars belief.

“It’s very, very dangerous and could have resulted in somebody being seriously hurt. It could be their family that’s going to get hurt.

“In this poor light, you wouldn’t necessarily have seen it in the day let alone the evening.”

Investigating police community support officer Josie Fergus said it was fortunate the child who next visited the play area was with their parent.

“It could have been a very different story which we’re thankful for,” she added.

“Someone went to the park with a child and noticed it was taped up in blue masking tape at the height a child would put their hand.

“It’s one of the most malicious things you could think of doing.

“It’s very sharp and it’s a new blade. It would have pierced the skin.”

The knife has been fingerprinted and police investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to call Chester Outer Neighbourhood Policing Unit on 0845 4586375 or anonymously on Crimestoppers: 0800 555111.