A fountain located in the heart of a Wiltshire town centre has been filled with washing up liquid, sparking a police probe.

Wiltshire Police officers on patrol in Devizes were shocked to discover that the fountain in the Market Place had been targeted by the stunt.

Pictures taken by neighbourhood officers who discovered the prank show two empty bottles of washing up liquid and some foamy water in the fountain.

A number of residents were quick to point out that the town centre fountain has been targeted by similar stunts in the past, with some describing it as a “regular occurrence” decades ago.

Police say CCTV will be used to identify the perpetrators.

The fountain in Devizes after being filled with washing up liquidThe fountain in Devizes after being filled with washing up liquid (Image: Wiltshire Police)

A spokesperson for the force said: “Devizes neighbourhood officers unexpectedly came across a foam party this evening.

“Someone thought it would be a good idea to fill the fountain in the Market Place with washing up liquid.

“It appears that no damage has been caused but we will be speaking with the town council to check their CCTV and identify those involved.

“It is clearly not a good idea.”

Despite investigating the incident, officers were also able to see the funny side.

The spokesperson added: “In the meantime, we’re taking the opportunity to wash up the station's tea cups… shame for it to go to waste.”