The damage was discovered by a council leisure officer on a routine check yesterday morning.

The city council has invested £160,000 in the new garden and aims to make it one of the best community gardens in the country. It is almost a year since work began on the facility, which has a series of themed gardens, and the final touches are now under way with planting scheduled for spring, before an official opening in June.

Leisure and arts convener Councillor Charles Farquhar hit out at those responsible, describing their actions as “extremely disturbing “ and “senseless”.

He said, “Most of the work on the garden had been completed and it is extremely disturbing that senseless vandalism like this is being carried out.

“It will cost at least £5000 to put the damage right and the council taxpayer will be left to pick up the bill. I would appeal to anyone who heard or saw anything relating to this incident or who knows anything about those responsible to contact the police.”

The construction of the new gardens is part of a strategy to encourage more people into the city’s parks. The work includes a boundary security fence and a path network which will take visitors round the various features of the garden, including a model suburban garden with fencing, a pergola and a shed.

Various patio and kitchen gardens are incorporated, including a healthy living garden, all bounded by fencing and pergolas with space for rock and water gardens.

A therapeutic garden is also included, replacing the previous one at the entrances to the park.

A Tayside Police spokesperson confirmed they were investigating and appealed for witnesses to come forward. A spokesperson said the incident occurred between 4.45 pm on Saturday and 9.45 am yesterday, with the culprits gaining access through a padlocked gate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on Dundee 223200.