People living in a Norfolk town are up in arms over a mysterious fence blocking a public pathway, which was torn down just hours after its appearance. 

Police are investigating damage to the fence next to Tudor Rose Way, in Harleston, which neighbours say was blocking the entrance to the Co-op and doctor's surgery. 

It was destroyed several hours after its construction on Thursday, with locals perplexed about how it got there.

Norfolk County Council has said that the fence should never have been put up in the first place - and will "request the removal" of what remains of the structure. 

Eastern Daily Press: The fence has been destroyedThe fence has been destroyed (Image: Pete Mason)

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Noor Hussain, who lives next to the pathway, said the issue had caused "frustration" among neighbours.

He said: "People are going crazy because it was a quick access route to the doctors, and now we have to take a 10 minute detour to get there. It's so weird.

"It's a public right of way and the fence shouldn't be there - it is not only inconvenient but also unnecessary."

His petition against the fence has gathered 100 signatures in just one day, with supporters of his campaign calling the structure "totally stupid" and stating that there "must be a reason" for it.

However, it remains unclear who is responsible. 

Norfolk County Council said: "This link path is an adopted highway and as such should not be obstructed.

"We are liaising with the town council to establish who erected the fence and request them to remove it."

Redenhall with Harleston Town Council also advised local people to exercise caution in the area, due to nails and splintered wood hanging from the broken fence.

Police officers were called to the scene just before 10pm on Thursday after it was reported that the structure had been damaged.

A spokeswoman added that enquiries were "ongoing" following the incident.