A group held a BBQ on a 5,500-year-old monument in Wiltshire, police said.

The West Kennet Long Barrow in Avebury which was built in 3650 BC is one of the largest Neolithic chambered tombs in Britain.

Used for a short time as a burial chamber, makes up part of the Avebury World Heritage Site and is managed by The National Trust on behalf of English Heritage.

Despite its rich and ancient history, the site was used for a BBQ by a group of residents at the weekend, according to the police.

Swindon Advertiser: BBQ ash was left at the site.BBQ ash was left at the site. (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Local police officers attended on Sunday afternoon following reports of 30 people on the scheduled monument having two BBQs.

The fires were extinguished and the group were moved on from the area with the only remainder being a small amount of ash on the ground.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act of 1979 it is an offence to cause damage to a scheduled monument.

“We take this behaviour very seriously and work closely with the National Trust/ English Heritage to ensure these monuments are protected.

“Please if you are visiting our beauty spots, pay attention to the signage and respect the landscape.

“We would like to thank the walker who reported this to us as it has prevented any further damage taking place.”