A vandal was arrested after causing damage to a telephone - outside Swadlincote Police Station.

The culprit wrecked the phone only to find there were officers inside who promptly spoke to the offender.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team's Facebook page explained what happened.

Their message read: "NOT A VERY CLEVER PERSON!

"Would you really commit an offence outside Swadlincote Police Station when PC Holmes and his trusted sidekick Pc Trussell are on duty?.

"Someone thought it was a good idea to damage the phone outside the Station!.

"One under arrest, after establishing the offender's details. he was told "'It is good to talk'."